The 78-year-old leader, in power since 1999, confirmed his victory on X by posting an image of himself captioned “RÉÉLU” (“re-elected”). The outcome was widely expected, with Guelleh facing only one challenger, Mohamed Farah Samatar, from a minor party with no parliamentary representation.
Two major opposition parties boycotted the vote, continuing a stance held since 2016 over allegations of electoral bias. Official figures put voter turnout at 80.4%.
Djibouti’s strategic location on the Gulf of Aden, at the entrance to the Red Sea, has made it a key geopolitical hub, hosting military bases from global powers including the United States, China, France, Italy, and Japan. The country has also played a growing role in regional security, receiving vessels damaged in attacks linked to Yemen’s Houthi militants.
Despite criticism from human rights groups over alleged repression of political opponents and restrictions on press freedom, the government has consistently denied wrongdoing and defended the credibility of its electoral process.
Guelleh’s administration has overseen relative stability in the Horn of Africa nation and invested heavily in port infrastructure, positioning Djibouti as a vital trade gateway for landlocked Ethiopia.
Recent constitutional changes, including the removal of the presidential age limit, have further enabled the veteran leader to extend his hold on power.
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