Djibouti President Ismail Omar Guelleh has warned against foreign interference in his country’s internal affairs, saying Djibouti’s sovereignty and ability to make its own decisions are non-negotiable.
President Guelleh made the remarks in the city of Ali Sabieh, after the conclusion of a three-day political conference of members of the ruling People’s Rally for Progress (RPP).
The president said Djibouti is focused on safeguarding its independence, strengthening internal security and preserving social cohesion, amid growing political and security challenges in the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea region.
“Djibouti’s internal affairs belong to the people and government of Djibouti. We will not allow anyone to interfere or encroach on our internal affairs,” President Guelleh said.
He also said that his government will continue to invest in education, skills development and capacity building of Djiboutian citizens, in order to build a self-sufficient country capable of independently responding to future challenges.
The Djiboutian President’s remarks come at a time when the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea region are experiencing intense competition involving foreign countries and powers, which have security, political and economic interests in the region.
However, President Guelleh did not specifically name the person or country he was warning against interfering. He also did not mention any country or party with which his government is currently engaged in political or diplomatic disputes. Therefore, he strongly rejects any foreign interference.
