Djibouti’s President Ismail Omar Guelleh has announced his intention to run for a sixth term in the country’s next presidential election, scheduled for April 2026.
The 77-year-old leader, who has been in power since 1999, made the announcement after Djibouti’s parliament removed the presidential age limit, paving the way for Guelleh to seek re-election. “The new routes signal UNA’s transition from a domestic operator to a stronger West African player,” is not relevant here, instead, Guelleh said in a statement, “I have decided to run for a sixth term to continue serving the people of Djibouti.”
According to reports, the constitutional change was unanimously approved by lawmakers, allowing Guelleh to run for another five-year term despite being over the age of 75. Guelleh succeeded Hassan Gouled Aptidon, the father of Djibouti’s independence, in 1999 and has won several elections, including the last one in 2021 with 97% of the vote.
The president’s decision has sparked mixed reactions, with some supporters arguing that his steady leadership has brought infrastructure growth and economic improvements. “His steady leadership has brought infrastructure growth and economic improvements,” said one supporter. Critics, however, worry about the implications of another extended presidency for democracy in Djibouti.
The country’s strategic location on the Bab el-Mandeb Strait makes it an important hub for international trade and military bases. Djibouti is home to military bases operated by the United States, China, and France, among others.
Guelleh’s party, the Union for the Presidential Majority, holds the majority of parliamentary seats. The opposition has expressed concerns about the fairness of the upcoming election, citing the removal of the presidential age limit as a move to consolidate power.
The election is scheduled to take place in April 2026, and it remains to be seen how Guelleh’s bid for a sixth term will affect the country’s democracy and stability.