Siteny Randrianasolo-Niaiko Re-elected AJU President / IJF.org

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 re-elected to 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 strict application of the IJF rules.

In total, 4700 athletes participated in the competition in Africa (1726 women and 2997 men, which represents 5% growth in women’s participation. Refereeing was a main focus throughout the period and will continue to be during the next four years.

The AJU is looking toward the future. The education sector as well as communication, kata, veterans, juniors and the cadet 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.