Djibouti has fronted its Foreign Affairs Minister Mahmoud Ali Youssouf to contest for the African Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship.

Youssouf will battle it out against Kenya's former Prime Minister Raila Odinga and Somalia's former Foreign Affairs Minister Fawzia Yusuf Adam.

In a statement on April 9, 2024, Djibouti's executive expressed confidence in Youssouf's experience to steer the commission.

"The Republic of Djibouti officially announces the candidacy of its Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, for the post of President of the African Union Commission. Djibouti expresses its faith in the ability of Mr Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, a man of experience and seasoned diplomat, knowing the mysteries of the continental organization to serve and breathe new life into the Pan-African Organization," the statement read in part.

"With more than two decades of experience as Minister of Foreign Affairs of his country, a haven of peace and which is distinguished by the constant search for conflict resolution through dialogue and negotiation, Mr Mahmoud Ali Youssouf has all the assets to meet the expectations and interests of the continent. He speaks French, English and Arabic fluently."

In March, the African Union Executive Council decided that the next AUC chairperson would come from the Eastern Africa region.

In a statement on March 15, 2024, the executive said the region will be the only one submitting candidates for the position.

"The African Union Executive Council today unanimously adopted a critical decision that it is the turn of the Eastern Africa region to submit candidates for the position of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC). The elections will be held in February 2025," the statement read in part.

The decision also provides that the Northern Africa region will front candidates for the Deputy Chairperson while the other three regions, Central, Southern and Western, will compete for the six positions of commissioners.