Djibouti: President Ismail Omar Guelleh to a new term
The vote count is underway in Djibouti after the presidential election, a vote which, barring any surprises, should return President Ismail Omar Guelleh to power for a sixth term.
Aged 78, the head of state has led the country since 1999. He faced only one opponent, Mohamed Farah Samatar, little known to the general public and whose campaign remained discreet.
In the capital, polling stations recorded varying turnout under tight security. Authorities are now awaiting the official results.
An election without suspense
The favorite, Ismail Omar Guelleh, has dominated the political scene for over two decades. His candidacy was made possible after a constitutional amendment removed the age limit for presidential candidates.
During the vote, the president called for mobilization, evoking values of "fraternity" and "solidarity," while expressing his confidence in the outcome of the vote.
On the voters' side, some emphasize the importance of voting as a civic right, in a context where the opposition remains largely invisible.
A strategic but fragile country
Located at a key point in global maritime trade, Djibouti hosts several foreign military bases, including French, American and Chinese.
This strategic position represents a major economic asset for this country of approximately one million inhabitants.
But despite these advantages, Djibouti still faces significant challenges, including high unemployment, particularly among young people, and a significant level of debt.
In this context, the expected re-election of the outgoing president is part of a logic of political continuity, in a country where institutional balances remain largely unchallenged.
