Kagame congratulates Djibouti’s Guelleh on re-election, vows to deepen bilateral ties

By The Inspirer.

President Paul Kagame has congratulated Ismaïl Omar Guelleh on his re-election for a sixth term, reaffirming Rwanda’s commitment to strengthening longstanding bilateral relations.

In a message shared on social media on Sunday, April 12, 2026, Kagame said he held a phone conversation with his Djiboutian counterpart, commending him on his renewed mandate to lead Djibouti.

Kagame reiterated his readiness to further consolidate ties between the two nations, emphasizing continued cooperation to advance shared development goals and improve the welfare of their citizens.

Rwanda and Djibouti have maintained strong diplomatic and economic relations, anchored in a joint ministerial commission that regularly meets to explore new avenues of cooperation.

In November 2025, the two countries signed nine cooperation agreements covering sectors such as sports, health, social development and diplomatic training. Existing agreements also span trade, air transport, technology, investment protection and visa exemptions for diplomatic passport holders.

As part of deepening economic ties, Djibouti allocated 60 hectares of land to Rwanda, including space near the port and within a commercial zone, while Rwanda provided 10 hectares in the Masoro Industrial Zone in Gasabo District for Djibouti’s business investments.

Guelleh, 78, secured re-election with 97.81 percent of the vote in polls held on April 10, 2026, defeating his challenger Mohamed Farah Samatar, who garnered 2.19 percent.

He has been in power since 1999, when he succeeded his uncle, Hassan Gouled Aptidon, marking nearly three decades in office.

In October 2025, Djibouti’s parliament approved constitutional changes removing the presidential age limit of 75, following a referendum endorsed by citizens.