Djibouti's Foreign Minister, Abdoulkader Houssein Omar, represented President Ismaïl Omar Guelleh at the 8th African Union Coordination Meeting held in El-Alamein, Egypt, on October 4, 2026. The meeting aimed to evaluate and strengthen coordination between the African Union, regional economic communities, and member states to accelerate continental integration and implement the Agenda 2063 priorities. As the current President of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), Omar emphasized the organization's commitment to peace, security, and regional integration.
In his address, Omar highlighted the importance of peace and security in the region, stressing the need for prevention, mediation, and dialogue mechanisms to address African crises. He called for accelerated regional integration by facilitating trade, mobility, and investments, as well as developing regional corridors. These efforts aim to strengthen economic connections and create opportunities for African populations. Omar also emphasized the need to address climate change and humanitarian challenges by enhancing the continent's resilience through early warning systems and effective response mechanisms.
The Djiboutian Foreign Minister underscored the importance of cooperation in key sectors such as water, agriculture, sanitation, and sustainable natural resource management. He also stressed the need for the full and effective participation of women and youth in decision-making processes, development, and peacebuilding. This, he believes, is crucial for the continent's sustainable transformation. Omar's statements reflect Djibouti's commitment to African integration and cooperation.
The 8th African Union Coordination Meeting provided a platform for high-level discussions on strengthening coordination and cooperation among African countries and regional organizations. The meeting's outcome, the El-Alamein Declaration, aims to guide the African Union's future actions and priorities. Djibouti's participation in the meeting demonstrates its commitment to continental integration and cooperation.
Omar was accompanied by Djibouti's Ambassador to Ethiopia and Permanent Representative to the African Union, Abdi Mahamoud Eybe, and Ambassador to Egypt and Permanent Representative to the Arab League, Ahmed Ali Barreh. Their presence highlights Djibouti's diplomatic engagement with regional and international organizations. The country's active participation in African Union meetings reflects its dedication to promoting African integration and cooperation.
The African Union's Agenda 2063 aims to create a more integrated, prosperous, and peaceful Africa. The 8th Coordination Meeting's discussions focused on implementing this agenda and addressing the continent's challenges. Djibouti's contributions to the meeting reflect its commitment to achieving these goals and promoting African unity.
The El-Alamein Declaration, adopted at the end of the meeting, outlines the African Union's future priorities and actions. The declaration emphasizes the need for strengthened coordination, cooperation, and implementation of continental priorities. Djibouti's Foreign Minister Omar welcomed the declaration, reaffirming Djibouti's commitment to African integration and cooperation.
Key points
- Djibouti's Foreign Minister Abdoulkader Houssein Omar calls for stronger African integration and resilience at the 8th African Union Coordination Meeting.
