Djibouti's top diplomat rallies support in Juba for his AUC chairmanship bid

Djibouti's Foreign Minister Mahmoud Ali Youssouf visited Juba to seek President Salva Kiir's support for his African Union Commission chairmanship bid.

During their meeting, Mahmoud emphasised Djibouti's commitment to advocating for the lifting of sanctions on South Sudan and promoting its economic growth.

In 2011, South Sudan held an independence referendum as part of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement, which led to its secession from Sudan, becoming Africa's 54th independent country.

It joined the African Union the same year.

However, a civil war broke out in 2013 between government and opposition forces, resulting in around 400,000 deaths and over four million people being displaced.

A peace deal in 2018 led to a unity government, but in 2023 the transitional authority extended its period by two years, postponing the December elections amidst ongoing human rights concerns.

The discussions between Mahmoud and Kiir also covered strengthening bilateral relations, including the proposed oil corridor through Ethiopia to Djibouti.

Djibouti, currently chairing the IGAD bloc, will hand over the seat to South Sudan at the next summit.

South Sudan has consistently opposed the UN arms embargo against it, renewed in May 2023.

When the African Union's Assembly of Heads of State convenes in February 2025 to select the next chairperson of the African Union Commission, Djibouti's Mahamoud will be a key contender.

The incoming chairperson will face the formidable task of navigating the AU through some of the most challenging times in its history.

The South Sudanese president, who also chairs the East African Community, has publicly endorsed Kenya's candidate Raila Odinga and attended his official launch event in Nairobi.