Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, the newly elected Chairperson of the African Union Commission, arrived in Mogadishu on March 23, 2025, marking his first visit to Somalia since assuming office. His arrival at Aden Adde International Airport was met with a warm reception from senior Somali government officials, signaling the importance of AU-Somalia relations in the region.
Elected in February 2025, Youssouf succeeded Chad’s Moussa Faki, taking over a leadership role that holds significant influence over the continent’s political and security affairs. Somalia played a key role in his election by backing his candidacy, reflecting strong diplomatic ties between Mogadishu and Djibouti. The support came after Somalia initially nominated Fawzia Yusuf Adam for the position but later withdrew in favor of Youssouf following a regional strategic decision.
Upon his arrival, he was received by Somalia’s Deputy Prime Minister Salah Ahmed Jama, alongside cabinet ministers and senior officials from the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS). His visit includes high-level meetings with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre, where discussions are expected to focus on regional security, counterterrorism efforts, and AU-Somalia cooperation.
Youssouf, a veteran diplomat who previously served as Djibouti’s foreign minister for several decades, is known for his deep understanding of the Horn of Africa’s political landscape. His leadership comes at a crucial time as Somalia continues to battle security threats, particularly from al-Shabaab, while also navigating complex federal reconciliation efforts.
His visit is expected to reinforce the AU’s commitment to Somalia’s stability, with discussions likely to address the ongoing transition of ATMIS forces, regional integration efforts, and long-term peace initiatives. The high-level engagement signals a strengthened AU-Somalia partnership, as both sides seek to enhance security and governance in the region.
