President Mohamud Arrives In Djibouti for Guelleh Inauguration amid Regional Diplomacy Push

GOOBJOOG NEWS | DJIBOUTI: Federal Republic of Somalia President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud arrived in Djibouti on Friday to attend the inauguration of Djiboutian President Ismail Omar Guelleh, who recently secured a sixth term in office following last month’s presidential election.

President Hassan Sheikh and his delegation were received at the airport by Djibouti’s Prime Minister Abdoulkader Kamil Mohamed and senior officials, reflecting the close political and security ties between the two neighbouring countries.

Guelleh, who has led Djibouti since 1999, won the April 10 election with about 97.8% of the vote, according to official results, extending his more than two decades in power.

The election drew regional and international attention after Djibouti’s parliament removed the presidential age limit last year, allowing the 78-year-old leader to seek another term. Major opposition parties again boycotted the vote, while officials described the election as peaceful.

President Mohamud is expected to hold sideline talks with Djiboutian leaders and regional officials during the visit, with discussions likely to focus on security cooperation, regional stability and economic integration across the Horn of Africa.

Djibouti remains one of Somalia’s closest regional allies and has played a central role in peacekeeping and mediation efforts in Somalia through African Union missions and regional diplomacy initiatives.

The inauguration comes at a time of growing coordination among Horn of Africa nations as regional governments intensify cooperation on counterterrorism, trade and geopolitical security challenges linked to the Red Sea corridor.