The President of which country was elected as the chairman of the African Union in the context of this question?

Introduction / Context:
The African Union is a continental organisation that promotes political and economic cooperation among African states. Its chairmanship rotates among member countries. This question asks about the country whose president became the chairman of the African Union in the period referred to by the general knowledge question.

Given Data / Assumptions:
- The organisation is the African Union, often abbreviated as AU.
- The question is about the national leader who was elected chairman.
- Options list Egypt, Ethiopia, South Africa and Israel.
- Israel is not a member of the African Union, which is an important clue.

Concept / Approach:
In the relevant recent period, the President of Egypt, Abdel Fattah el Sisi, was elected as the chairman of the African Union. This was widely reported as Egypt taking over the rotating chairmanship. Knowing which countries are AU members and who held the chair at different times is a standard topic in international organisations based general knowledge.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Note that Israel is not an African country and thus its president cannot chair the African Union. Step 2: Focus on African countries in the options: Egypt, Ethiopia and South Africa. Step 3: Recall news that the President of Egypt, Abdel Fattah el Sisi, took over as chairman of the AU. Step 4: Based on this recollection, select Egypt as the correct option.

Verification / Alternative check:
Verification can be made by linking this fact with headlines about Egypt hosting or leading AU discussions on security, migration and economic integration. Reports emphasised that Egypt had assumed the rotating chairmanship, taking over from another African state. While Ethiopia and South Africa have also played major roles in AU activities, this particular chairmanship period was associated with Egypt.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
- Ethiopia: Home to the African Union headquarters in Addis Ababa, but the question refers to a specific chairmanship period not led by Ethiopia.
- South Africa: Has chaired the AU in other years, but not in the period highlighted by this question.
- Israel: Not a member of the African Union, so its leader cannot be elected AU chairman.

Common Pitfalls:
Students may confuse the host country of the AU headquarters, which is Ethiopia, with the country that currently or recently held the chair. Another mistake is not noticing that Israel is not an African country and therefore cannot be correct. To avoid confusion, remember that the chair rotates and that Egypt's president was chosen for the referenced period.

Final Answer:
The President of Egypt was elected as the chairman of the African Union in the context of this question.