This January 2025 marks an important milestone in the life of the African Judo Union, as the organisation's General Assembly was held in Casablanca, Morocco. On this occasion, the AJU Executive Committee presented itself to the vote of the member countries. President Siteny Randrianasolo-Niaiko was re-elected by acclamation of the 32 countries present. Mr Shadrack Maluki, Mrs Estony Pridgeon and Mr Chafik El Kettani were also reelected at their respective positions.

Jean-Luc Rougé, IJF Development and Promotion Director, 10th dan, represented IJF President Marius Vizer. The 2025 Ordinary General Assembly was also honoured by the presence of Dr László Toth, IJF Vice-President and President of the European Judo Union, Mr Carlos Zegarra Presser, IJF Vice-President and President of the Pan-American Judo Confederation and Mr Vlad Marinescu, IJF Director General.

The new team that will lead the development of African judo for the next four years is composed as follows:

From left to right: Jean-Luc Rougé, Dr László Toth, Carlos Zegarra Presser and Vlad Marinescu
  • Siteny Randrianasolo-Niaiko - President
  • Mohamed Meridja - Vice-President
  • Alfred Foloko - Vice-President
  • Shadrack Maluki - Chairman
  • Estony Pridgeon - General Secretary
  • Chafik El Kettani - General Treasurer
  • Alain Kingue Dihang - Head Sport Director
  • Abdourahamane Youssoufou - Sport Director
  • Ababacar Ngom - Head Referee Director
  • Faissal Abdoul-Raguig - Head Education and Coaching Director
  • Antonia De Fatima Moreira - Education and Coaching Director
  • Skander Hachicha - Development Director
  • Gbetoho Anicet Glitho - Promotion and Continental Judo Director
  • Mike Josian Valere - Communication Director

It was underlined during the meeting that the development of judo throughout the continent over the previous period was exponential in terms of quality and quantity. A total of 54 continental events were organised following the a strict application of the IJF rules.

In total, 4,700 athletes participated in the competition in Africa (1,726 women and 2,997 men, which represents a 5% growth in the female participation. Refereeing was a main focus throughout the the period and will continue to be during the next four years.

AJU is looking toward the future. The education sector as well as the communication, the kata, the veterans, the juniors and the cadets departments have benefited from the global development of judo. It is now possible for instance to follow all the AJU events on JudoTV.

It was also officially announced that Africa will keep organising major international events including the 2026 Cadet World championships in Senegal and the 2025 Veterans World Championships in Madagascar.

See also