The election saw a voter turnout of 80.4%, with approximately 256,000 registered voters participating. Guelleh, who has led Djibouti since 1999, expressed gratitude to the Djiboutian people for their support following the announcement of the results.

Guelleh’s victory comes after a series of political developments in Djibouti, including the abolition of presidential term limits in 2010 and the removal of the presidential age limit in 2024, which allowed him to seek another term at the age of 78. His previous victory in 2021 had seen him take 98% of the votes, indicating a consistent dominance in the political landscape.

Since 2016, two of the main opposition parties have boycotted elections, which has raised questions about the competitiveness of the electoral process in Djibouti. Guelleh’s campaign was marked by large rallies, further solidifying his position in the country.

Djibouti, strategically located along the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, hosts multiple foreign military bases, enhancing its geopolitical significance. This strategic positioning has been a key factor in Guelleh’s administration, as the country continues to play a vital role in regional security.

In his victory speech, Guelleh stated, “Tonight is a special night… a night filled with immense joy. This victory belongs to the people of Djibouti.” His remarks reflect a continued commitment to his leadership and the support he claims to have from the populace.

As Djibouti moves forward under Guelleh’s leadership, the implications of his re-election will likely resonate in both domestic and international arenas. Observers will be watching closely to see how his administration addresses ongoing challenges and opportunities in the region.

The post Ismail Omar Guelleh Wins Sixth Consecutive Term in Djibouti appeared first on newskenya.

The Bab al-Mandab Strait, connecting the Indian Ocean to the Mediterranean Sea via the Suez Canal, is crucial for global trade, facilitating 15% of shipments worldwide. Recent threats from the Houthis to close this vital waterway have raised alarms about potential disruptions to global energy supplies.

The Houthis, a Yemeni group, have previously succeeded in disrupting maritime trade in the Red Sea, particularly in response to Israel’s actions in Gaza. Mohammed Mansour, a representative of the Houthis, stated, “The option of closing the Bab Al Mandab strait is a Yemeni option that can be implemented should the aggression against Iran and Lebanon escalate savagely.” This indicates a willingness to leverage their control in the region amidst rising tensions.

In light of these threats, Saudi Arabia has increased its reliance on the East-West pipeline to transport oil from Yanbu Port, boosting shipments from 800,000 barrels to 4.5 million barrels. This strategic shift aims to mitigate the risks posed by potential disruptions in the strait.

Rerouting vessels around Africa could add 10 days to voyages and incur an extra cost of $1 million per trip, highlighting the economic stakes involved. A senior Iranian source warned, “If the situation gets out of control, our allies will close the Bab el-Mandeb,” further emphasizing the geopolitical tensions surrounding this critical maritime route.

Observers are closely monitoring the situation, as the implications of the Houthis’ threats on the Bab al-Mandab remain unclear. Additionally, there are unconfirmed reports regarding a potential military base in Somaliland, which could further complicate the security landscape in the region.

The Bab al-Mandab Strait’s strategic importance cannot be overstated, as any closure would have significant repercussions for global energy markets and shipping routes. As tensions escalate, the international community is urged to pay close attention to developments in this pivotal area.

The post Bab al-Mandab Strait appeared first on newskenya.

South Sudan advanced to the next stage of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2027 qualifiers despite a 1-0 defeat to Djibouti in the second leg, securing a 4-1 aggregate victory.

In the first leg, South Sudan showcased a commanding performance, winning 4-0, which set a strong foundation for their progression. In the return match held in Juba, Djibouti managed to score their only goal in the 77th minute, with Samuel Temidayo finding the net.

The aggregate score of 4-1 in favor of South Sudan highlights their overall dominance in the tie. The goal from Djibouti, while significant, came too late to impact the outcome of the qualifiers.

Djibouti’s victory in the second leg marked their first win away from home in many years, a notable achievement despite their exit from the competition. Throughout the match, Djibouti struggled to create clear-cut opportunities for long periods, reflecting their challenges in overturning the heavy deficit.

South Sudan appeared content to manage the game and protect their aggregate lead rather than push forward aggressively in the return encounter. Their overall performance emphasized their attacking quality and control, which was evident in the first leg.

As the preliminary round of AFCON 2027 qualifiers continues, with more matches scheduled for March 31, 2026, observers will be looking forward to how South Sudan builds on this success. The tournament will be co-hosted by Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania, adding further excitement to the upcoming matches.

Ultimately, South Sudan’s emphatic first-leg advantage proved decisive, ensuring their place in the next round despite the narrow defeat in Juba. Details remain unconfirmed regarding Djibouti’s future plans following their exit from the qualifiers.

The post South Sudan vs Djibouti: AFCON 2027 Qualifiers Update appeared first on newskenya.

In a decisive match, South Sudan defeated Djibouti 4-0 in the first leg of the AFCON 2027 qualifiers, held at Juba National Stadium. This victory marks a significant step for South Sudan in their quest for qualification.

The match saw South Sudan take control early on, with Teng Kuol opening the scoring in the 31st minute. Following this, Justin Bangasi doubled the lead just after halftime, scoring in the 49th minute. The momentum continued as Peter Maker added the third goal in the 66th minute, and Keer Mangar sealed the victory with a fourth goal in the 81st minute.

Keer Majak played a pivotal role in the match, scoring once and providing two assists, demonstrating his importance to the team’s strategy. The comprehensive 4-0 scoreline reflects South Sudan’s dominance throughout the game.

This match is part of the preliminary round of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations PAMOJA 2027 qualifiers, emphasizing the competitive nature of the tournament. Djibouti will need a near-perfect performance in the second leg to overturn this significant deficit.

As the teams prepare for the return leg, the pressure mounts on Djibouti to respond effectively. South Sudan’s strong performance has set a high benchmark, and the upcoming match will be crucial for both teams’ aspirations in the qualifiers.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding the venue and date for the second leg, but the focus will undoubtedly remain on how Djibouti plans to recover from this heavy defeat.

The post Djibouti vs South Sudan: South Sudan Dominates in AFCON Qualifiers appeared first on newskenya.