The President of Djibouti, Ismaïl Omar Guelleh, has won re-election with 97.8% of the vote, according to state media, securing a sixth term and extending his rule of more than 27 years.
The 78-year-old leader was declared the winner after Friday’s election, and he posted a message on X saying “RÉÉLU,” a French word meaning “re-elected.”
His victory came as little surprise to many, given his long tenure in power and his party’s strong influence over national institutions.
In the election, he faced only one opposition candidate, Mohamed Farah Samatar, from a small party with no representation in parliament.
Two main opposition parties have boycotted elections since 2016, arguing that the process cannot be free or fair.
Government figures show voter turnout stood at 80.4%.
In the previous election in 2021, Guelleh also won with more than 97% of the vote.
Djibouti is a small nation with a population of under one million, but it holds major strategic importance due to its location on the Gulf of Aden, near the entrance to the Red Sea.
The country hosts military bases from several nations, including the United States, China, France, Italy, and Japan, making it a key hub for security and trade in the Horn of Africa.
Since 2023, several commercial ships damaged by attacks from Houthi rebels in Yemen have docked in Djibouti, further increasing its importance in global shipping.
However, human rights organizations have criticized the Djibouti government for suppressing political opposition, activists, and journalists. The government has denied these claims, insisting its elections are fair and reflect the will of the people.
Despite the criticism, Djibouti has maintained relative stability compared to some other countries in the Horn of Africa.
Guelleh’s government has also heavily invested in port infrastructure, turning the country into a major trade gateway for neighboring Ethiopia, which is landlocked.
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