African Union observers endorse Djibouti election as “credible”

The African Union has declared Djibouti’s April 10 presidential election to be broadly “credible,” peaceful, and “in line with democratic standards,” despite concerns over the credibility of the election.

The assessment comes from the African Union Election Observation Mission (AUEOM), deployed under the leadership of Bernard Makuza, following authorization by Mahamoud Ali Youssouf. The AU mission, composed of 26 observers from 16 African countries, was tasked with evaluating the electoral process “objectively and impartially.”

The mission said in its preliminary statement that it “welcomes the holding of this election in a regional context marked by persistent security and political challenges,” adding that “the election took place in a calm and peaceful atmosphere, reflecting the Djiboutian people's commitment to peace, stability, national cohesion, and the protection of national institutions.”

The AU further described the election as evidence of political maturity, stating: “This demonstrates political maturity and a steadfast commitment to the values of tolerance and unity.”

The Djibouti government, according to observers, ensured “a well-coordinated and credible electoral process in line with relevant international standards.” However, the mission noted a minor issue: “polling staff members were not wearing uniforms that would facilitate their identification.”

In its conclusion, the AU gave a strong endorsement of the process: “the presidential election complied with the national legal framework for elections and the relevant international, continental, and regional standards.” It added: “This contributes to the credibility, freedom, and transparency with which the electoral process was organised, conducted, and concluded.” The mission also confirmed the result, noting that “the provisional election result confirmed the resounding re-election of the incumbent President Ismaïl Omar Guelleh.”

The mission’s statement, however, reflects a continuation of its long-standing electoral standards, which it says have guided its assessments over time. In recent months, the African Union has endorsed several incumbents whose elections have drawn significant criticism.

For instance, the Union supported the re-election of Paul Biya in Cameroon, a leader who has remained in power for decades. That election was widely reported to be marred by irregularities and followed by violence. According to Human Rights Watch, security forces used “lethal force and mass arrests of protesters and other citizens,” raising serious concerns about the integrity and the credibility of the process.

Similarly, the African Union endorsed the re-election of Yoweri Museveni in Uganda, extending his four-decade grip on power. Although the post-election period was less violent compared to Cameroon, the main opposition alleged widespread harassment. Reports indicated that opposition figures and even their families faced intimidation, with the opposition, Bobi Wine, forced into exile.

In Tanzania, the AU also endorsed the re-election of Samia Suluhu Hassan, in an election that critics argue was marked by the suppression of opposition voices and episodes of post-election unrest. The aftermath prompted widespread criticism from human rights organizations. Human Rights Watch reported that “hundreds of people across the country may have been killed.” Despite these grave concerns about human rights violations, the AU proceeded with its endorsement, reinforcing perceptions of inconsistency in its application of democratic standards.

The endorsement of Ismaïl Omar Guelleh’s re-election in Djibouti was therefore largely anticipated. Guelleh now enjoys the backing of both regional and continental bodies. The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) had already congratulated him, and the African Union’s endorsement further consolidates his position.