Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud arrived in Djibouti on Friday to attend the inauguration of his Djiboutian counterpart, Ismail Omar Guelleh, in a visit that underscores the deepening ties between the two Horn of Africa neighbors.
President Guelleh, one of Africa’s longest-serving leaders, secured a fifth term in an April election boycotted by the opposition. Mr. Mohamud’s presence at the swearing-in ceremony signals Mogadishu’s strategic interest in maintaining close diplomatic and economic relations with Djibouti, a key regional player and a vital gateway for Somali trade through its Red Sea ports.
The Somali president was received at Ambouli International Airport by senior Djiboutian officials, including the foreign minister, before heading to the presidential palace for a private meeting with Guelleh.
“President Guelleh’s leadership has been instrumental in stabilizing our region, and Somalia stands with Djibouti as a brotherly nation,” a presidential aide quoted Mr. Mohamud as saying shortly after his arrival. “We look forward to strengthening our cooperation on security, trade, and the fight against terrorism.”
According to a statement from the Somali presidency, the two leaders were expected to discuss the ongoing offensive against Al-Shabaab militants and the need for coordinated action to secure the Red Sea shipping lanes, which are critical for both economies.
The visit comes as Somalia pushes for full integration into the East African Community and seeks to rebuild its international partnerships after decades of civil war. Djibouti has consistently hosted Somali reconciliation talks and provided training for Somali security forces.
Analysts note that Mr. Mohamud’s attendance also serves a domestic purpose: projecting stability and presidential engagement abroad as his government battles a resurgent insurgency at home. No official agenda for further bilateral meetings has been released.