Djibouti: court provisionally reinstates Souleiman Hassan Waberi as head of the Football Federation

On October 28, 2026, the Djibouti Court of First Instance suspended the effects of the decision to remove Souleiman Hassan Waberi from office. The order also provides for the reinstatement of the president, his executive committee and its administration, while suspending the electoral process initiated on the basis of the contested removal.

The institutional crisis shaking the Djibouti Football Federation (FDF) has taken a new judicial turn. In an order issued on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, the judge hearing interim proceedings in the civil chamber of the Djibouti Court of First Instance ordered the provisional suspension of the removal of Souleiman Hassan Waberi, president of the national football governing body.

According to the official statement published by the FDF, the judge found the existence of a “manifestly unlawful disturbance” linked to several alleged irregularities. These notably concern the convening and holding of the extraordinary general meeting on October 5, 2026, as well as the procedure that led to the president’s removal.

Electoral process suspended

The court decision provisionally calls into question the effects of the extraordinary general meeting of October 5, during which Souleiman Hassan Waberi’s removal had been approved.

The judge hearing interim proceedings ordered the reinstatement of the president, his executive committee and its administration in the exercise of the powers associated with their mandates. The measure also provides for authorized administrative staff to have access to the Federation’s premises in order to ensure the continuity of its operations.

Another consequence of the order is the suspension of the implementation of new elections intended to fill the presidency on the basis of the contested removal. This measure is intended to preserve the effectiveness of the provisional protection granted by the court.

The scope of this decision nevertheless remains provisional. It should not be treated as a final ruling on the institutional dispute as a whole between the parties involved in the crisis.

The FDF calls for dialogue and calm

In its statement, the Djibouti Football Federation said it welcomed the decision with composure and responsibility, while reiterating its respect for the country’s judicial institutions.

For the governing body, the order represents a step toward restoring a calm institutional operation and safeguarding its activities, in accordance with its statutes and the principles of good governance.

The FDF also said it was willing to work with football stakeholders, the relevant national authorities and its partners to help bring about a lasting return to stability.

Finally, it called on all parties concerned to show restraint and respect the court’s decision, giving priority to dialogue rather than an escalation of tensions.

With this order of October 28, the dispute over the leadership of the Djibouti Football Federation has entered a new phase. The provisional reinstatement of Souleiman Hassan Waberi and the suspension of the electoral process now constitute the main elements of the court’s measures, pending any further developments in the proceedings.

Nouya M'toama

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Versatile journalist specializing in sports and political news, with extensive experience across radio, print and digital media platforms.

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