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Abdoulkader Houssein Omar Takes Over as Foreign Minister Following Mahamoud Ali Youssouf’s Election as African Union Head
Djibouti has appointed a new foreign minister after Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, who held the position for nearly 20 years, was elected as head of the African Union in February. The country’s president, Ismail Omar Guelleh, signed a decree on Tuesday confirming Abdoulkader Houssein Omar as the new minister of foreign affairs and international cooperation.
Abdoulkader Houssein Omar is a seasoned diplomat, having previously served as Djibouti’s ambassador to Kuwait and Jordan. His appointment marks a significant change in Djibouti’s government, but according to presidential spokesperson Alexis Mohamed, this is the only change in the cabinet and not part of a broader government reshuffle.
Djibouti, a small nation on the Horn of Africa with a population of about one million people, is strategically important due to its location. It sits at the Bab-el-Mandeb strait, a crucial passageway at the entrance of the Red Sea, where a significant portion of global trade flows between Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. This geographic position has made Djibouti an important player in regional and international politics.
Despite its small size, Djibouti is home to military bases from several powerful nations, including France, the United States, and China. These bases highlight the country’s geopolitical significance as a stable hub in an otherwise unstable region. Its location directly across from Yemen, a country plagued by conflict, further underscores its role as a key strategic partner for global powers.
President Ismail Omar Guelleh has been in power since 1999 and has played a crucial role in maintaining Djibouti’s stability. However, he is expected to step down in the next presidential election, scheduled for 2026. Until then, the new foreign minister will take on the responsibility of maintaining and strengthening Djibouti’s international relationships.
With Abdoulkader Houssein Omar now leading the foreign ministry, Djibouti will continue to navigate its role in international diplomacy while balancing relationships with global powers that rely on its stability and strategic location. His experience as an ambassador will be valuable in representing the country’s interests on the global stage.