Habib Sissoko of Mali has been unanimously elected as President of the AJU ©IJF

Habib Sissoko of Mali has been unanimously elected as President of the African Judo Union (AJU) at the body’s Congress in Tunis.

Sissoko, who is also the head of the National Olympic Committee for Mali, will begin his tenure following the conclusion of this year's Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. 

He will take over from Lassana Palenfo of the Ivory Coast, President of the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA), who had led the AJU since 1990.

All of the respective members of the AJU were present at the Congress in the Tunisian capital, along with International Judo Federation (IJF) general secretary Jean-Luc Rougé to oversee the election and provide explanations to delegates about the procedure.

“Mr Palenfo’s vision, support and friendship was essential for the development of the African Judo Union,” Sissoko said.

“You deserve all gratitude and you inspired us with your contributions.

“We also thank IJF President Marius Vizer for all support we received from the IJF.

“We have to underline the relations with our unions and our governments who fund us.

“We can use their experience for our objectives.

“We will invest our efforts to pay back and to promote judo in our continent and internationally.”

Habib Sissoko has replaced ANOCA President Lassana Palenfo as the head of the AJU
Habib Sissoko has replaced ANOCA President Lassana Palenfo as the head of the AJU ©Getty Images

Palenfo, an honorary member of the International Olympic Committee, believes the AJU will continue to develop under the leadership of Sissoko, claiming he had left the organisation in the hands of an “experienced commander”.

“Those who have the means should help those who do to boost the African judo and better meet our expectations,” the 75-year-old said.

“Although it’s not easy for African nations to travel to the events.

“But under the mandate of Olympic Games, everyone should participate, including for the Olympic Games.”

As well as Sissoko becoming the first new President of the AJU for 26 years, other elections at the Congress were also held and Madagascan Judo Federation chief Thierry Siteny was elected chairman.

Skander Hachicha of Tunisia, a former African champion, and Mohamed Meridja of Algeria were chosen as the two AJU vice-presidents, while Estony Pridgeon, President of the Botswana Judo Federation, was elected as general secretary.

Pridgeon succeeds Gabon’s Andre Angwe, who will now be the organisation’s treasurer.