Djibouti’s Ismaïl Omar Guelleh sworn in for sixth presidential term
By Kenneth Mwenda, May 9, 2026Djibouti’s President Ismaïl Omar Guelleh has been sworn in for a sixth presidential term after winning the April 10, 2026, election with a landslide victory.
The ceremony took place in Djibouti City on Saturday, May 9, 2026, and drew several regional leaders and official delegations. Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, and South Sudan President Salva Kiir Mayardit were among those who attended the inauguration. Kenya also sent a delegation led by Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, who represented President William Ruto.
Guelleh secured 97.81 per cent of the vote in the April 2026 election, according to official results. His only challenger, Mohamed Farah Samatar, received just over two per cent. The election followed constitutional changes that removed the presidential age limit, allowing Guelleh, 78, to run again.
He has been in power since 1999 and is now set to continue one of the longest presidencies in the Horn of Africa.
During the election period, official statements highlighted stability and continuity in leadership. According to results cited by international media, voter turnout stood at more than 80 per cent, although most opposition groups boycotted the poll.
Djibouti’s strategic location on the Bab el-Mandeb Strait remains central to its regional importance. The country hosts military bases for several global powers, including the United States, China, France and Japan, and serves as a key trade route for landlocked Ethiopia.
Regional diplomatic unity
At the inauguration, regional leaders emphasised diplomatic and economic cooperation. Taking to X during the visit, Health CS Aden Duale said Kenya and Djibouti continue to share a common vision anchored on peace, stability and economic cooperation across the Horn of Africa.
He added that Kenya values its partnership with Djibouti in areas such as trade and maritime security.
“Kenya and Djibouti continue to share a common vision anchored on peace, stability and economic cooperation across the Horn of Africa,” Duale stated.
His remarks followed a meeting with Djiboutian officials, including the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Abdoulkader Houssein Omar.
Somalia also confirmed its participation at the highest level. The Somali presidency said President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud attended the inauguration after being received by senior Djiboutian officials on arrival.
The inauguration marks the start of another five-year term for Guelleh, extending his long rule as Djibouti continues to position itself as a key diplomatic and security hub in the Horn of Africa.