Djibouti's Foreign Minister and International Cooperation, Abdoulkader Houssein Omar, represented President Ismaïl Omar Guelleh at the 3rd Russia-Africa Summit held in Moscow on October 28-29, 2026. The summit brought together 48 African states to strengthen ties between Russia and the continent. Omar led a high-level delegation from Djibouti, demonstrating the country's commitment to developing its relations with Russia and fostering international partnerships based on dialogue and cooperation.
Prior to the summit, Omar participated in the Russia-Africa Economic and Humanitarian Forum, co-chaired by Russian President Vladimir Poutine and Burundian President Évariste Ndayishimiye, who is also the current African Union chairman. The forum provided a platform for discussing prospects for enhancing Russia-Africa relations in economic, commercial, humanitarian, and technological sectors. The exchanges highlighted opportunities for diversifying partnerships and strengthening ties between economic and institutional actors from both sides.
On the sidelines of the summit, Omar attended a high-level ministerial meeting presided over by his Russian counterpart, Sergueï Lavrov. The meeting, which brought together African foreign ministers, focused on pressing international issues. Omar reaffirmed Djibouti's commitment to dialogue, promoting peace, and consolidating international stability. As president of the IGAD Council of Ministers, Omar also participated in a meeting between President Poutine and African institutional and financial leaders.
Omar's address to the summit on October 29 emphasized the need to rethink the foundations of the global partnership between Russia and Africa. He argued that Africa should be recognized as a full-fledged partner, capable of contributing to defining priorities, orientations, and prospects for international cooperation. This vision is based on a renewed approach to international relations, grounded in reciprocity, mutual interests, and the effective participation of African countries in decision-making.
Djibouti's foreign minister highlighted the country's efforts to create a transparent, predictable, and attractive business environment, as part of broader structural reforms led by President Ismaïl Omar Guelleh. These reforms aim to consolidate an environment that encourages foreign investment. By emphasizing these efforts, Omar showcased Djibouti's potential for investors seeking to develop projects and cooperation in the country.
The participation of Djibouti in the Moscow summit reflects the country's desire to diversify its partnerships and actively engage in major international discussions. In a context of shifting economic and geopolitical balances, strengthening ties with various international actors is crucial for African nations. Previous summits in Sochi (2019) and St. Petersburg (2023) laid the groundwork for a rapprochement between Russia and Africa.
Through Omar's participation and his message to the delegations, Djibouti reiterated its commitment to a more balanced international cooperation, where African countries are not merely beneficiaries of partnerships but active participants in their design and implementation. This stance aligns with Djibouti's broader strategy of fostering cooperation that creates value, skills, and development opportunities.
Key points
- Djibouti's Foreign Minister Abdoulkader Houssein Omar pushes for a more equitable Russia-Africa partnership at the 3rd Russia-Africa Summit.
- Omar emphasizes Africa's need for full recognition as a strategic partner in international cooperation.
- Djibouti aims to diversify partnerships and actively engage in major international discussions.
