Djibouti Receives International Messages of Support as Leaders Celebrate Independence

DJIBOUTI CITY, July 2, 2026 - President Ismaïl Omar Guelleh has received a series of congratulatory messages from international leaders and heads of regional organizations on the occasion of Djibouti’s 49th anniversary of independence, with partners praising the country’s stability, development efforts, and growing role on the regional and international stage. Among the latest messages was one from King Felipe VI of Spain, who conveyed his warm congratulations to President Guelleh, as well as to the Government and people of Djibouti. The Spanish monarch expressed his wishes for the President’s personal well-being and for continued peace and prosperity for the Djiboutian people. President Guelleh also received greetings from Benin’s President Romuald Wadagni, who highlighted the importance of strengthening friendship and cooperation between the two countries. He expressed his willingness to continue working with Djibouti’s leadership to deepen bilateral relations for the benefit of both nations. Similar messages were sent by other international leaders, including Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio and Malawi’s President Arthur Peter Mutharika, who extended their wishes for success and prosperity to President Guelleh and the Djiboutian population on the 49th anniversary of national independence. The President of Poland, Karol Nawrocki, also conveyed his congratulations while highlighting Djibouti’s growing importance as a strategic logistics and commercial hub in the Horn of Africa. Beyond individual states, regional and international institutions also expressed their support for Djibouti’s development trajectory. The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, sent his congratulations on behalf of the continental organization and praised Djibouti’s progress, stability, and strengthened position in regional and global affairs. He emphasized the importance of maintaining and deepening the partnership between Djibouti and the African Union, while expressing hopes for continued cooperation and stronger ties between the two institutions. These messages reflect the continued recognition of Djibouti’s role as a stable partner in the Horn of Africa and acknowledge the country’s efforts in promoting development, regional cooperation, and international engagement nearly five decades after gaining independence.