By Zamzam Osman - Reporter
Djibouti , 18 April 2026 Djibouti’s President Ismail Omar Guelleh called for a global force to secure maritime routes, warning that disruptions to key waterways threaten global trade and security.
Speaking at an international conference on freedom of navigation via video link on Friday, Guelleh said the international community must take action to ensure safe passage for vessels.
“Freedom of navigation is not only about trade; it also concerns regional peace and stability,” he said.
The conference, held in Paris and co-hosted by France and Britain, brought together leaders from around 50 countries as rising tensions in various parts of the world are affecting strategic maritime corridors.
Guelleh supported a proposal to establish a global force tasked with enforcing the right to free maritime movement, saying it was necessary to prevent further instability that could disrupt global commerce.
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He said such a force could complement diplomatic efforts aimed at reaching a lasting peace agreement among parties involved in conflicts affecting maritime routes.
The Djiboutian leader also stressed the importance of key chokepoints such as the Bab el-Mandeb, which connects the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden and is vital for global trade.
“The Strait of Hormuz has a significant influence on the global economy and international security,” Guelleh said, calling for collective efforts to ensure uninterrupted maritime traffic.
Djibouti, located near one of the world’s busiest shipping routes, has become increasingly central to maritime security, as strategic waterways play a growing role in geopolitical tensions.