DJIBOUTI: Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud arrived in Djibouti City on Friday to attend the inauguration ceremony of Djiboutian President Ismail Omar Guelleh, who secured his sixth term in office after last month’s presidential election. The Somali president and his delegation were warmly received at Djibouti International Airport by Prime Minister Abdoulkader Kamil Mohamed and other high‑ranking officials, reflecting the strong political and security ties between the two neighboring nations.
President Guelleh, who has governed Djibouti since 1999, won the 10 April election with approximately 97.8 percent of the vote, according to official results. 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 run for another term. Major opposition parties boycotted the vote, though officials described the process as peaceful. President Mohamud is one of several regional leaders invited to the swearing‑in ceremony.
During his visit, the Somali president is expected to hold separate meetings with Djiboutian leaders and other regional officials. Talks are anticipated to focus on security collaboration, regional stability, counter‑terrorism, trade, and economic integration throughout the Horn of Africa, particularly concerning the strategic Red Sea corridor. Somalia and Djibouti have recently strengthened defense and security cooperation, with both sides committing to joint planning, intelligence sharing, and operational coordination.
Djibouti remains one of Somalia’s closest regional partners and has played a significant role in Somalia’s peacekeeping and mediation efforts through African Union missions and regional diplomatic initiatives. President Mohamud previously traveled to Djibouti for strategic talks focused on enhancing bilateral ties and deepening cooperation. A separate Memorandum of Understanding on political consultations has also established a framework for regular dialogue between Mogadishu and Djibouti.
The inauguration ceremony and the accompanying high‑level meetings come at a time of increasing coordination among Horn of Africa nations as regional governments intensify their cooperation on counter‑terrorism, trade, and geopolitical security. Djibouti’s role in hosting the 2000 Arta peace conference remains a cornerstone of modern Somali state‑building, and the two countries continue to collaborate on security, education, and economic development. President Mohamud’s presence at the swearing‑in ceremony underscores the enduring alliance between Mogadishu and Djibouti, as both nations work to address shared challenges and promote long‑term stability in the Horn of Africa.
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