Guelleh wins new term as Djibouti charts path of stability

Djibouti President Ismail Omar Guelleh has secured a fresh term in office after a decisive victory in the country’s presidential election held on Friday, according to provisional results released by the electoral commission.

The commission announced that the incumbent garnered 97 per cent of the total votes cast, with the main opposition candidate taking a majority of the remaining percentage.

The outcome affirms strong public backing for President Guelleh and paves the way for continued implementation of his administration’s development agenda.

Speaking after the announcement, President Guelleh thanked Djiboutians for their support and called for unity as the country embarks on a new phase of growth. “Tonight is a special night… a night filled with immense joy. This victory belongs to the people of Djibouti,” he said.

He emphasized the importance of collective responsibility in shaping the nation’s future, adding that his government remains committed to strengthening Djibouti’s position globally. “We want Djibouti to be visible on the world stage… a nation determined to overcome all hardships with a strong heart and a wise mind,” he stated.

The re-election comes at a time when Djibouti has been consolidating its position as a strategic economic and logistics hub in the Horn of Africa. Leveraging its location along key international shipping routes, the country has invested heavily in port infrastructure and transport networks to boost regional trade.

A key component of this strategy is the development of a transport corridor linking Djibouti’s ports to Addis Ababa, with plans to extend connectivity to South Sudan and Uganda. The project is expected to enhance the movement of goods across the region and strengthen economic integration among East African nations.

Djibouti also continues to play a critical role in regional security. The country hosts military bases operated by global powers including China, the United States, and France, reflecting its strategic importance along one of the world’s busiest maritime corridors.

On the diplomatic front, Djibouti has been gaining prominence within continental institutions. The recent rise of Mahmoud Ali Youssef to a senior leadership role within the African Union highlights the country’s growing influence in regional and continental affairs.

With a renewed mandate, President Guelleh is expected to continue steering Djibouti’s economic transformation while strengthening its role as a key player in trade, security, and diplomacy across Africa.