Djibouti reaffirmed its rising stature in African football governance as it hosted the CECAFA Elective General Assembly, bringing together 22 football leaders and senior officials from across the continent.
The high‑level gathering became one of the most significant moments in CECAFA’s recent history, as delegates elected new leadership and approved key strategic plans for the 2026 season.
A Continental Line‑Up of Influential Football Leaders
The Assembly drew an exceptional roster of African football dignitaries, underscoring CECAFA’s growing influence within CAF structures.
Among the distinguished attendees were:
Gusau Ibrahim Musa, President of WAFU‑B and President of the Nigeria Football Federation. Lamin Kaba Bajo, President of WAFU‑A and President of The Gambia Football Federation, Said At Houman Said Ali, President of COSAFA and President of the Comoros Football Federation
Senior FIFA and CAF officials also graced the event, including:
Djibrilla Hima Hamidou, FIFA Council Member (Niger)
Ahmed Ould Yahya, FIFA Council Member and President of the Mauritania Football Federation. Samuel Eto’o, President of the Cameroon Football Federation and CAF Executive Committee member Diallo Yacine Idriss, President of the Ivory Coast Football Federation and CAF Executive Committee member Sidat Fezal Ismael, CAF Fifth Vice President and President of the Mozambique Football Federation, Sarah Mukuna, CAF Director of Member Associations
Davis Ndayisenga, Head of the FIFA Regional Development Office.
Their attendance elevated the Assembly into a continental event of strategic and symbolic importance.
New CECAFA Leadership Elected
Delegates elected new leaders to guide the region for the next four years:
Paulos Weldehaimanot Ande Mariam (Eritrea) was elected CECAFA President
Ali Abdi Mohamed (Somalia) was elected CECAFA Vice President
Francis Amin Michael (South Sudan) and Shema Ngoga Fabrice (Rwanda) secured seats on the CECAFA Executive Committee
In his first remarks after being elected, President Paulos Weldehaimanot Ande Mariam outlined his vision for the region, stating:
“My mission is to reshape and modernize the image of football across East and Central Africa, ensuring our region takes its rightful place on the continental stage.”
His statement set a clear tone for a new era of ambition and reform within CECAFA.
Key Decisions That Shaped CECAFA’s 2026 Agenda
In addition to the elections, delegates approved several major administrative items, including:
● The 2026 CECAFA budget
● The 2026 CECAFA competitions calendar
● Expanded focus on youth, women’s, and senior competitions
Representatives from all 12 CECAFA member nations participated: Burundi, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Somalia, Sudan, South Sudan, and Zanzibar.
Djibouti’s Leadership and Hospitality Recognized
Djibouti’s organization, hospitality, and commitment to regional unity received widespread praise.
Suleyman Waberi, President of the Djibouti Football Federation, reflected on the significance of the moment, stating:
“This was a proud moment for Djibouti. Hosting such a huge gathering showed the unity of football and the strength of cooperation among our nations.
President Ismail Omar Guelleh has always supported the growth of football, and Djibouti continues to stand out as a country of hospitality, culture, and unity.”
His remarks captured the pride felt across the host nation.
A Symbol of Regional Unity and Progress
With 22 leaders gathered under one roof, the Assembly demonstrated CECAFA’s renewed commitment to collaboration, transparency, and long‑term development.
Djibouti’s successful hosting strengthened its diplomatic footprint in African football and highlighted its national identity as a hub of hospitality, culture, and unity.
Mohamed Abdi MUUDEY
African Sports Journalist
