AU Praises Peaceful Vote as Djibouti’s Guelleh Clinches Sixth Presidential Term

Djiboutian President Ismail Omar Guelleh secured a sixth term in office following the April 10, 2026, presidential election, prompting warm congratulations from African Union Commission Chairperson H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf.

In an official statement released on April 11 from AU headquarters in Addis Ababa, Youssouf commended the people of Djibouti for their peaceful participation in the polls, underscoring their commitment to democratic governance, national cohesion, and stability.

He noted the official results announced by Djibouti’s electoral authority, confirming Guelleh’s victory after early tallies showed him leading strongly.

Results showed him winning 97.81% of the votes in Friday’s election.

Election officials declared the vote peaceful, with supporters gathering at the presidential palace on Saturday to celebrate and extend congratulations.

Also Read: Moon and Back: NASA’s Artemis II Crew Safely Returns After 10-Day Space Journey

Djibouti’s Role in Regional Stability and the AU’s Commendation

Youssouf highlighted Djibouti’s pivotal role in advancing regional peace, security, and cooperation in the Horn of Africa, reaffirming the nation’s contributions to Agenda 2063 goals alongside other AU member states.

The AU Chairperson also praised the African Union Election Observation Mission (AUEOM), led by former Rwandan Prime Minister Bernard Makuza, for its professional oversight.

Guelleh, 78, has ruled since 1999, enabled by a 2025 constitutional amendment lifting the presidential age limit of 75.

He faced a lone challenger, Mohamed Farah Samatar of the Unified Democratic Centre, with over 256,000 voters eligible amid reports of low turnout.

Also Read: Kenya Met Lists Six Regions to Experience Rainfall Over the Weekend

Extending best wishes for a successful term, Youssouf emphasized continued collaboration for Africa’s shared aspirations. Official results project Guelleh’s win near 98%, per preliminary tallies released post-election.

The election unfolds in the strategically vital Horn nation, which hosts multiple foreign military bases.

Djibouti’s strategic location along a vital global shipping route, linking the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, makes it a hub for multiple foreign military bases, including those of the U.S., China, France, and Japan.

Revenues generated from these bases and port services for Ethiopia form the backbone of the country’s economy.

Follow our WhatsApp channel for instant news updates

Djibouti elections 2026