Djibouti underscored its emerging prominence in African football governance by hosting the CECAFA Elective General Assembly last weekend, which brought together 22 football leaders and senior officials from across the continent.
This esteemed gathering marked a crucial juncture in CECAFA’s recent history, as delegates chose new leadership to steer the federation for the next four years and ratified essential strategic plans for the 2026 season.
The Assembly attracted a remarkable lineup of African football dignitaries, highlighting CECAFA’s increasing sway within CAF structures. Among the prominent attendees were Gusau Ibrahim Musa, President of WAFU B and the Nigeria Football Federation; Lamin Kaba Bajo, President of WAFU A and the Gambia Football Federation; and Said At Houman Said Ali, President of COSAFA and the Comoros Football Federation.
Senior FIFA and CAF officials also attended 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 Vaccine 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; and Davis Ndayisenga, Head of the FIFA Regional Development Office.
Their presence elevated the Assembly to a continental event of strategic and symbolic importance.
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.
Key Decisions That Shaped CECAFA’s 2026 Assembly
In addition to the elections, delegates approved several major administrative items, including:
The 2026 CECAFA budget
The 2026 CECAFA competitions calendar
An expanded focus on youth, women, 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 organization, hospitality, and commitment to regional unity were widely praised.
Suleyman Waabari, President of the Djibouti Football Federation, reflected on the significance of the moment, stating, “This was a proud moment for Djibouti.”
