Who Is Moussa Faki Mahamat?

Moussa Faki Mahamat is a prominent African politician and diplomat from Chad. He is currently serving as the Chairman of the African Union Commission. Mahamat has been involved in Chadian politics and international diplomacy for several decades, serving in a variety of high-level positions.

Early Life and Education

Born in 1960 in Biltine, Chad, Mahamat was raised in a family of politicians. His father, Faki Mahamat, was a prominent figure in Chadian politics in the 1960s and 1970s. After completing his primary and secondary education in Chad, Mahamat went on to study law and political science at the University of Brazzaville in the Republic of Congo.

Political Career

Mahamat began his political career in the early 1980s, serving as the Minister of Public Works and Transport under Chadian President Hissène Habré. In 1984, he was appointed as the Minister of Foreign Affairs, a position he held until 1991.

During his tenure as Foreign Minister, Mahamat played a key role in negotiating an end to the long-running conflict between Chad and Libya. He also helped to establish the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS), an intergovernmental organization that promotes economic integration and cooperation among Central African countries.

After leaving government in 1993, Mahamat worked as a lawyer and international consultant for several years. He also served as the Secretary-General of ECCAS from 2002 to 2003.

Return to Politics

In 2003, Mahamat returned to politics as the Minister of Foreign Affairs and African Integration under Chadian President Idriss Déby. He held this position until 2008, when he was appointed as the Prime Minister of Chad.

As Prime Minister, Mahamat worked to strengthen Chad's relationships with other African countries and to promote regional integration. He also oversaw the development of several important infrastructure projects, including the construction of a new international airport in N'Djamena.

African Union Commission Chairmanship

In 2017, Mahamat was elected as the Chairman of the African Union Commission, the executive branch of the African Union. In this role, he is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the organization and implementing its policies and decisions.

As Chairman, Mahamat has focused on a number of key issues, including promoting peace and security in Africa, enhancing economic integration among African countries, and addressing the continent's infrastructure and development challenges. He has also worked to strengthen the African Union's partnerships with other regional and international organizations.

Final Thoughts

Moussa Faki Mahamat is a seasoned politician and diplomat who has played a significant role in shaping the political and economic landscape of Chad and the broader African continent. His leadership as Chairman of the African Union Commission has been marked by a strong commitment to promoting peace, security, and development in Africa. With his wealth of experience and expertise, Mahamat is poised to continue making a positive impact on the continent for years to come.