The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) has engaged Djibouti’s political and electoral authorities ahead of the country’s presidential election scheduled for April 10.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the bloc said its observer mission—led by former Ethiopian President Mulatu Teshome—held consultations with key institutions, underscoring a shared commitment to a credible, transparent and peaceful electoral process.
The mission met with senior officials including Foreign Minister Abdoulkader Houssein Omar, Constitutional Council President Abdi Ismael Hersi, and National Human Rights Commission head Ali Soubaneh Atteyeh. Discussions centred on institutional readiness, the legal framework, and human rights safeguards.
Djibouti will see incumbent President Ismail Omar Guelleh—seeking a sixth term—face challenger Mohamed Farah Samatar.
IGAD has deployed observers nationwide to monitor voting and counting processes, alongside 67 international observers from organizations including the African Union, the League of Arab States and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. Campaign activities have intensified in the lead-up to the vote, with both candidates holding rallies across the country.