Djibouti’s President Ismail Omar Guelleh was on Saturday inaugurated as the country’s head for another five years.

In his speech, Guelleh said that in the early days of this new presidential term, the goal is to step up the pace, taking into account the changes in the world.

“We need to invest in services, communications, digital technologies. We have immense potential in terms of renewable energies,” he said.

“We are aware of the challenges that face us. Poverty and unemployment remain a reality as in many of our African countries. The need for infrastructure too.”

The President made emphasis on just how the COVID-19 pandemic has turned the world economy upside down.

“Climate change is forcing a revolution in our way of life. Digitization is disrupting communication and production circuits. Demographic pressure is a reality for our continent. These major developments offer us as many challenges as they offer opportunities to actively prepare for the world to come,” President Guelleh added.

He also talked about the need to continue forging long-term partnerships with great friendly powers.

A host of dignitaries were present for the ceremony, among them Kenya’s President Uhuru Kenyatta, Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, President Muse Biihi of Somaliland, Somali’s Prime Minister Mohamed Roble and Édouard Ngirente, Rwanda’s Prime Minister.

Djibouti’s government on April 10 announced that longtime President Ismail Omar Guelleh yet again won the election with a landslide, earning him a fifth term, citing provisional results.

Home Affairs Minister Mumin Ahmed Sheikh told reporters that Guelleh received more than 98 percent of the 177,391 votes cast in the Horn of Africa nation, defeating his sole rival, businessman Zakaria Ismail Farah.