Photo Somali Times/Left ruthless dictator Ismaïl Omar Guelleh and shady Somalia President
The President of Somalia Hassan Sheikh Mohamoud, who is currently in the Republic of Djibouti, today held a special meeting with the oldest African dictator Ismaïl Omar Guelleh where they discussed sensitive issues.
The two presidents discussed the general situation in the region, the fraternal relationship between Somalia and Djibouti and the cooperation in matters affecting the two countries, primarily the security and peace of the region.
Read: The oldest African dictators
Read: Why is Somalia an unfortunate country?
The oldest African dictator Ismaïl Omar Guelleh has ruled over Djibouti since 1999. He succeeded his uncle, Hassan Gouled Aptidon, after being in his cabinet as head of national security and chief of staff for more than 20 years, according to The African Exponent reported.
Read: Somalia’s president Hassan Sheikh history of corruption 2012-2017
Known by many as a dictator, Guelleh has been in power for 24 years and 5 terms. In the latest election, held in 2021, he beat his only opponent, Zakaria Farah, by winning over 97% of the votes. The lead up to the rigged elections was marked by street protests by the people of the country as they have grown tired of Guelleh’s suppressive reign.
Read: Somalia President will become the richest man in Africa due to corruption
Guelleh’s regime has been characterized by inequality, corruption, poverty, unemployment, restriction of free press, rampant malnutrition, and poor healthcare systems. The country is not poor by any means, but Guelleh has turned it into a commercial state-city controlled by him, his wife and sons in-law from Ivory Coast and Senegal’s in-law from Ivory Coast and Senegal.
Read: Somalia presidential election 2026 benefits one person, one vote