PM Abiy in Djibouti to Attend Inauguration Ceremony of President-elect Guelleh

Addis Ababa, May 9, 2026 —Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed is in Djibouti today to attend the inauguration ceremony of President-elect Ismaïl Omar Guelleh.

“I extend my heartfelt congratulations and best wishes on his leadership and service to the people of Djibouti,” PM Abiy shared on his social media channels.

He further stated that he hopes the longstanding friendship and strategic partnership between Ethiopia and Djibouti will continue to grow stronger for the mutual prosperity of both peoples and the peace and stability of the region.

 

According to Office of the Prime Minister, the Premier traveled to Djibouti ahead of the inauguration ceremony scheduled to take place today.

The visit reflects the longstanding partnership between Ethiopia and Djibouti, particularly in the areas of regional integration, trade, transport connectivity, and infrastructure development.

Ismaïl Omar Guelleh was re-elected for a fifth term as president with more than 98 percent of the vote.

Djibouti held its presidential election on April 10, 2026, with incumbent President Guelleh competing against opposition candidate Mohamed Farah Samatar.

A total of 67 international observers were deployed to monitor the election, representing regional and international organizations including the African Union, Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), League of Arab States, and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation.

 

The African Union observer mission, the largest among the deployed teams, was led by Bernard Makuza, while the IGAD delegation was headed by former Ethiopian President Mulatu Teshome.

According to Djibouti’s Ministry of Interior, 256,467 voters were registered nationwide, including more than 162,000 in the capital, Djibouti City.

Voting took place across 712 polling stations, 413 of them located in Djibouti City, highlighting the country’s highly concentrated urban electorate.

 

Analysts say the election drew significant regional and international attention due to Djibouti’s strategic location along the Red Sea and its role as a major regional trade and security hub.