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President Guelleh says the UAE is destabilizing the Horn of Africa

DJIBOUTI (SD) – Djibouti President Strongly Attacks UAE Government, Accusing It of Using Billions in African Investments to Conceal Military Agendas

In an interview with Radio France Internationale, President Ismail Omar Guelleh sharply criticized the UAE’s $110 billion investment campaign in Africa, describing it as a strategic tactic to expand military influence under the false guise of economic development.

“The UAE is profoundly destabilizing the region,” he added.

The President’s remarks reflect growing concerns among some African nations about the dual-purpose nature of foreign investments, particularly those tied to critical infrastructure like ports, oil services, and telecommunications.

“There are no purely economic investments. They contain hidden military objectives that could endanger the independence and stability of African nations,” Geelle stated.

President Geelle revealed that Djibouti had previously rejected a UAE request to establish a military base in the country. After this refusal, he said, the UAE redirected its efforts toward neighboring countries, seeking strategic locations along vital maritime routes.

Relations between the UAE and Djibouti have been strained since Djibouti expelled DP World, a UAE-based company, from managing Djibouti’s ports. The UAE has significantly expanded its influence in the Horn of Africa, particularly in Somalia, Ethiopia, and Sudan.

In Somalia, the UAE has supported regional administrations opposed to the Federal Government, actions that risk undermining Somalia’s unity.

When asked whether he would run again in Djibouti’s planned December elections, President Geelle responded: “That question doesn’t deserve an answer.”

Djibouti’s constitution sets a presidential age limit of 75 years, meaning any attempt by Geelle to seek re-election would require constitutional amendments.

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