ADDIS ABABA (BG) – The newly elected leadership of the African Union Commission officially assumed office on Thursday, March 13, 2025, following a handover ceremony.

Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf of Djibouti and Deputy Chairperson Selma Malika Haddadi of Algeria were elected and sworn in at the 38th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government on Feb. 15.

Four of the six Commissioners also took the oath of office after their election at the 46th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council on Feb. 12.

In his inaugural address, Youssouf pledged to address institutional challenges and strengthen Africa’s role in global decision-making.

“Africa must take its destiny into its own hands,” he said. “We must breathe new life into our organization, strengthen our unity and assert Africa’s place in the concert of nations.”

Youssouf outlined key priorities, including accelerating the Second Ten-Year Plan of Agenda 2063, advancing the financial autonomy of the AU, strengthening collaboration between AU institutions, and implementing institutional reforms.

“We must be an agile player, capable of responding to emergencies and anticipating future challenges,” he added.

Outgoing Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat reflected on his tenure and expressed optimism about Africa’s future.

“There are certainly gaps and shortcomings. I’m sure that, with your fresh impetus and your faith in our organization, you’ll go far beyond the frontiers that are ours today and the legacy we’re leaving you,” he said.

Ethiopian President Taye Atske-Selassie emphasized Africa’s role in global governance, advocating for permanent UN Security Council membership and a stronger voice in the G20’s Common Framework for Debt Treatment.

João Lourenço, AU Chairperson and President of Angola, praised the outgoing leadership and urged the new team to prioritize infrastructure development, intra-African trade, and energy transition.

The elected officials will serve a four-year term, renewable once.

Elections for two remaining Commissioner posts will take place at the 24th Extraordinary Session of the Executive Council.