Red Sea Military Hub Djibouti’s President Extends 27-Year Rule

Ismail Omar Guelleh speaks at his final campaign rally in Djibouti on Wednesday. — Ismail Omar Guelleh speaks at his final campaign rally in Djibouti on Wednesday.Photographer: Luis Tato/AFP/Getty Images

Provide news feedback or report an error

Confidential tip?

Send a tip to our reporters

Take our Survey

By Mohamed Omar Ahmed

April 11, 2026 at 6:50 AM UTC

Djiboutian President Ismaïl Omar Guelleh won elections by a landslide, extending his 27-year rule of the strategically located nation that’s an international military and maritime hub.

Guelleh, 78, garnered nearly 98% of ballots in the April 10 vote, Associated Press reported. His only rival in the contest was former ruling party member Mohamed Farah Samatar.