ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia — In a significant development for the African Union (AU), leaders from across the continent have chosen Djibouti’s foreign minister, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, as the next head of the commission that oversees the organization.

During a voting session held at the AU summit in the Ethiopian capital, Youssouf emerged victorious, outpacing notable contenders including Raila Odinga, the former Prime Minister of Kenya, and Richard Randriamandrato, a former foreign minister of Madagascar.

The AU consists of 55 member states, and the selection of the commission’s leader is a decision made by the presidents or heads of government from these nations. This leader serves as the chief executive of the AU’s secretariat, headquartered in Addis Ababa.

Youssouf is set to embark on a four-year tenure, succeeding Moussa Faki from Chad, who has held the position since 2017. This leadership change marks a new chapter for the African Union as it seeks to address various continental issues and enhance cooperation among member states.