By Mohamed Abdi - Reporter
Djibouti, 6 April 2026 International election observers from the African Union (AU), the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and the Arab League have begun arriving in Djibouti, just days before the presidential election scheduled for April 10, government officials said.
The Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Interior jointly confirmed that a total of 67 observers from the four international organizations are expected in the country to monitor the electoral process.
According to an official statement, the observers will oversee the conduct of the election to ensure it proceeds smoothly.
The AU delegation, the largest with 47 members, is led by former Rwandan Prime Minister Bernard Makuza. The IGAD mission, comprising 16 members, is headed by former Ethiopian President Mulatu Teshome, while the Arab League and OIC delegations are led by Ahmed Amin Sultan and Shakir Mahmoud Bander, respectively.
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Officials said the observers will carry out their mandate independently, impartially, and objectively, and will also meet with presidential candidates and national institutions responsible for organizing the vote.
The Djibouti presidential election will see incumbent President Ismaïl Omar Guelleh, representing the UMP party, face opposition candidate Mohamed Farah Samatar.
The election is considered a key political moment for the country, with authorities stating that “all necessary measures” have been taken to facilitate the deployment of observers nationwide.
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