Djibouti's FM Pledges to Make Sure AU Has Its Own Financing Sources If Elected

Addis Ababa December 13/2024 (ENA)—Djibouti’s Foreign Minister Mahmoud Ali Youssouf has pledged to do his best to make sure that African Union (AU) has its own financing sources and boost intra African intra African trade.

Three esteemed candidates from Kenya, Djibouti and Madagascar vying for the position of chairperson of the African Union are debating tonight in front of the world.

During the debate, Djibouti’s Foreign Minister Youssouf underscored that if he is elected as chairperson of the commission, he is going to make great strides in terms of peace and security and early warnings, through the continental early warning system.

“We are going to strengthen the Peace and Security Council, which has to be more proactive, and the member states will also have to be responsible.”

A 59 years old Youssouf revealed that Africa is at a crossroads of its evolution.

However, the continent is actually lagging behind other continents in terms of peace and security, integration and socio economic development.

Accordingly, the minister promised to do his level best to make sure that resources are mobilized to make the African standby force operational.

“And we can also use the African Peace Fund and with the relevant bodies, I am going to continue or to carry out the reforms which have not been implemented today.”

He has also vowed to diversify our financing, adding that he is going to do his best to make sure that the African Union has its own financing sources.

 Youssouf also pledged to boost intra African intra African trade.

“We should go beyond 80 percent and I will bring down all the non-tariff barriers and facilitate the free movement of goods and persons across the continent.”

According to him, the place of Africa on the international stage will be one of his greatest priorities, noting that I'm going to be the voice of the African people across the world.

The transformation of the continent will be done with its youth and our women, of course, and the diaspora too, through knowledge, technique, technology, in agriculture, in industry and in the service sector, he underscored.

The Africa that we want is an Africa of peace, integration and prosperity, and this has to go through political will and the solidarity of the African people, and thanks to the support of our people.

"I saw, as I stand in front of you today and in front of all the millions of Africans, I want to tell you that if I'm given the chance of being the chairperson of this commission, I will do my best to make sure that our continent shines on the international stage.”