New era at AU Commission as Mahmoud Ali Youssouf unveils his leadership team
Beyond his core team, Mahmoud is expected to appoint advisers, senior diplomatic staff, and policy experts to bolster his administration.
The official handover of leadership at the African Union Commission (AUC) is currently underway in Addis Ababa, marking the end of Moussa Faki Mahamat's eight-year tenure at the helm of the Pan-African body.
According to a programme released by the AU headquarters, today is dedicated to "celebrating the legacy of the past and welcoming the future of the AU's leadership."
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The ceremony will also include the swearing-in of four newly elected AU Commissioners, who were voted in during the mid-February summit and will now take over from their predecessors.
Newly elected AUC Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, formerly Djibouti's Foreign Minister, has wasted no time in forming his inner circle.
Assembling a mix of seasoned diplomats, trusted campaign allies, and regional representatives, Mahmoud aims to establish a strong team to guide the Commission's strategic direction.
Among the key appointments:
• Chief of Staff – Mohamed El-Amine Souef, a Comorian diplomat and former AU special envoy on Somalia, will serve as Chief of Staff. His appointment is strategic, given his experience in regional security and peace processes, as well as his ability to strengthen AU partnerships.
• Spokesperson – Nuur Sheikh, formerly the IGAD spokesperson, takes up the AUC's communications portfolio, a crucial role in shaping the Commission's public engagement and messaging.
• Deputy Chief of Staff – Moussa Mohamed Omar, the former communications director at Djibouti's Foreign Ministry, replaces Tordeta Ratebaye in this position.
The formation of a Chairperson's Bureau follows established AU traditions, where a newly elected chair brings in trusted allies while ensuring a regional balance to reflect the continent's diversity. These appointments, though directly made by the AUC Chair, are vital in coordinating and managing continental affairs.
Beyond his core team, Mahmoud is expected to appoint advisers, senior diplomatic staff, and policy experts to bolster his administration. The Chief of Staff role remains the most influential, often shaping the Commission's strategic interactions with global and regional partners.
As Mahmoud formally assumes office, attention will be on how he navigates the complex landscape of African diplomacy, particularly ongoing conflicts, economic integration, and Africa's positioning in global affairs.
His first major test will be setting the tone for his administration's priorities, especially on silencing the guns in the continent.
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