Djibouti’s electoral authorities have announced the re-election of President Ismaïl Omar Guelleh, extending his long-standing leadership over the East African nation following a decisive election victory.
State-owned media reported that Guelleh secured 97.8 percent of the vote, according to results announced after the recent presidential election. The outcome gives him a sixth term in office, continuing his nearly three-decade rule over the country.
Following the announcement, Guelleh shared an image on social media with the French word “RÉÉLU,” meaning re-elected, signaling confirmation of his victory.
Djibouti, a small but strategically important nation in the Horn of Africa, hosts several foreign military bases and serves as a key maritime gateway near the Red Sea. It has also gained increased attention in recent years due to its proximity to shipping routes affected by regional security tensions.
The election featured limited opposition participation, with one main challenger from a small party, while other opposition groups boycotted the process, citing concerns about electoral fairness.
Turnout was reported at over 80 percent, according to state media, while critics and human rights groups have repeatedly raised concerns about political freedoms and the electoral environment in the country. The government, however, continues to reject allegations of repression and maintains that the political process remains legitimate.
