Djibouti President Ismaïl Omar Guelleh has been reelected for a sixth term, securing 97.81% of the vote in Friday’s election. The win extends his rule to over two decades, having been in power since 1999.
The election saw Guelleh, 78, face a single challenger, Mohamed Farah Samatar, with analysts noting a lack of genuine competition. Opposition parties have boycotted elections since 2016, citing concerns over impartiality and political freedoms.
The vote was reported as peaceful, with supporters celebrating at the presidential palace. Lawmakers last year removed presidential age limits, allowing Guelleh to seek reelection. Djibouti holds strategic importance, hosting military bases from the U.S., China, France, and Japan, and serving as a key maritime hub.