Somaliland’s President Congratulates Djiboutian President for re-election

The President of the Republic of Somaliland, His Excellency Muse Bihi Abdi, has sent congratulatory messages on behalf of the Government of Somaliland and the people of Somaliland, to the people and Government of Djibouti on their successful election.

Djibouti’s longtime President Ismail Omar Guelleh overwhelmingly won a fifth term in office. He received more than 98% of votes cast in the Horn of Africa nation, defeating his sole rival, businessman Zakaria Ismail Farah.

President Muse Bihi Abdi in his message commended the people of Djibouti on the successful conclusion of the presidential elections, attesting further that with the right institutions and political leadership, constitutional democracy has come to stay in the country.

He also called on other contestants in the elections to put national interest above personal and partisan considerations and maintain the peace at all times.

Muse Bihi notes further that Somaliland and Djibouti share close historic and cultural ties, adding that he looks forward to working with his counterpart in realising shared goals that bring peace, security and prosperity to the citizens of both countries.

The Somaliland leader wishes President Ismail Omar Guelleh a successful new tenure, peace and stability in his country as well as improved bilateral relations.

Flanked by Somalia and opposite Yemen, Djibouti has remained stable while drawing foreign military powers such as former colonial ruler France, the United States and China to establish bases there.

The country’s economy shrank by 1 percent in 2020, but is expected to grow by 7 percent this year, according to the International Monetary Fund.