President Guelleh Meets International Election Observers Ahead of April 10 Vote

Djibouti, April 8, 2026 - The President of the Republic and candidate for re-election, Ismail Omar Guelleh, held a series of meetings on Wednesday with the heads of international observer delegations deployed for the upcoming presidential election scheduled for April 10. The meetings, which took place at the Presidential Palace, brought together senior representatives from key regional and international organizations. Among them were Bertrand Makuza, representing the African Union; Mulatu Teshome, heading the delegation from the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD); and Shakir Mahmoud Bander, representing the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). According to official sources, discussions focused on several key aspects of the electoral process, including compliance with international standards, voter registration procedures, candidate validation mechanisms, and equitable access to state media during the campaign period. The presence of high-profile figures leading the observer missions was highlighted as an indication of the importance attached to the electoral process. Both Mulatu Teshome and Bertrand Makuza bring extensive political experience, having previously served as head of state and head of government in their respective countries. The meetings were also attended by Djiboutian officials, including Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdoulkader Houssein Omar, Secretary General of the Presidency Mohamed Abdillahi Waiss, and the President’s diplomatic adviser, Fathia Djama Oudine.