President Ismail Omar Guelleh of Djibouti has secured a sixth term in office effectively maintaing uninterrupted leadership of his country.

The 78-year Old Ismail Omar Guelleh won the elections with a 97.8% of vote.

Guelleh 78, is only Djibouti’s second president since it gained its independence from France in 1977.

Mohamed Farah Samatar the sole challenger got 2.19% of the vote, in a poll boycotted by most of the opposition.

More than 80% of registered voters cast their ballots in Friday’s election.

President Paul Kagame of Rwanda has this Sunday extended congratulatory message to President Ismail Omar Guelleh of Djibouti upon securing a re-election.

“Held a call this afternoon with my brother, President Ismail Omar Guelleh, during which I extended my congratulations on his re-election as President of Djibouti,” President Kagame said via platform X.

He added, “I look forward to continuing to deepen the strong, longstanding ties between the people of Djibouti and Rwanda, and to working closely together to advance our shared priorities for growth and prosperity.”

The strategically located horn of Africa state hosts the US, China, France, Italy and Japan military bases. Djibouti is a gateway to the Suez Canal.

Djibouti is estimated to be approximately 1.18 million people. The population is heavily concentrated in the capital, Djibouti City, which holds over 700,000 residents.