A wave of international congratulations has followed the re-election of Djibouti President Ismail Omar Guelleh, with leaders across the Middle East, Africa, Europe, and Asia sending messages of support and pledges to deepen cooperation.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, in his message of goodwill to Guelleh, reiterated Türkiye’s support for Djibouti and the strengthening of bilateral ties.

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el Sisi held a phone call to congratulate Guelleh on Sunday, and also reviewed bilateral relations and regional developments of mutual interest, according to the Djibouti presidency.

Chinese President Xi Jinping sent a formal message congratulating Guelleh on his re-election, expressing confidence in Djibouti’s development trajectory and reaffirming Beijing’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations.

‘China-Africa Cooperation’

According to the presidency, Xi said political trust between the two countries had deepened in recent years and pledged further cooperation under the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), underscoring the strategic nature of ties.

UNESCO Director-General Khaled El-Enany also sent a message praising Djibouti’s contribution to global education and development priorities, and reaffirmed cooperation on international development agendas.

Mauritanian President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani and Gabon’s transitional leader Brice Oligui Nguema, in their congratulatory messages, praised Djibouti’s electoral process and reaffirmed continued engagement between their respective nations.

The European Union Delegation in Djibouti also welcomed the election outcome and extended formal congratulations.

Qatar’s Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and Deputy Emir Abdullah bin Hamad Al Thani sent messages that reaffirmed Doha’s intention to strengthen bilateral relations with Djibouti.

Italy’s President Sergio Mattarella and Ivorian President Alassane Ouattara also conveyed congratulations, wishing Guelleh success in his new mandate.

Messages of support

Morocco’s King Mohammed VI joined regional leaders in congratulating Guelleh, alongside Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and Sudan’s Sovereign Council chief Abdel Fattah al Burhan.

Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit and Francophonie Secretary-General Louise Mushikiwabo also sent messages praising political continuity and expressing support for stability and development in Djibouti.

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Rwandan President Paul Kagame held phone conversations with Guelleh, discussing bilateral ties as well as regional security and economic issues.

Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Oman’s Sultan Haitham bin Tariq were also among the leaders to send in messages shortly after Guelleh’s victory was announced.

The African Union Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, in his message, praised Guelleh’s re-election and reaffirmed continental engagement.

Djibouti’s presidency said the volume and diversity of messages reflect broad international recognition of the country’s political continuity and its strategic position in the Horn of Africa, with officials describing a sustained diplomatic surge following the election.

President Ismail Omar Guelleh won re-election earlier this month for a sixth term, extending his 27-year rule, securing 97.8% of the vote on April 11 against challenger Mohamed Farah Samatar, according to official results.