DJIBOUTI — Djibouti President Ismaïl Omar Guelleh is set to seek a sixth term in office in next month’s election, extending his decades-long rule in the strategically located Horn of Africa nation.
The 78-year-old leader, who has been in power since 1999, is expected to run in the April 10, 2026 presidential vote following a decision by Djibouti’s parliament to remove age restrictions for presidential candidates.
Lawmakers approved the change in October 2025, allowing Guelleh to remain eligible despite his age.
Guelleh, one of Africa’s longest-serving leaders, first assumed office after succeeding his uncle, Hassan Gouled Aptidon, Djibouti’s founding president. Since then, he has maintained a firm grip on power through successive elections, often criticized by opposition groups and international observers.
Opposition figures have accused the government of limiting political competition, alleging that authorities have allowed only weak or low-profile candidates to challenge the incumbent. Some critics argue that the political environment restricts meaningful opposition participation.
Djibouti occupies a key geopolitical position near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a vital global shipping route, and hosts several foreign military bases, including those of the United States, France, and China.
Supporters of Guelleh credit his leadership with maintaining stability and attracting foreign investment in a volatile region.
However, rights groups have repeatedly raised concerns over restrictions on press freedom, political space, and civil liberties in the country.
With no significant challenger emerging ahead of the vote, analysts say Guelleh is widely expected to secure another term, potentially extending his rule to nearly three decades.
The upcoming election is likely to test both the government’s commitment to political reforms and the opposition’s ability to mobilize support in a tightly controlled political landscape.
