By HAN News Desk
DJIBOUTI — President Ismaïl Omar Guelleh has successfully pushed through a constitutional amendment that removes the presidential age limit, previously set at 75, clearing the path for him to seek another term in office despite being 78 years old.
The amendment, passed after a heated debate in the Djiboutian parliament, has sparked both support and criticism. Pro-government lawmakers hailed the decision as a means to preserve “continuity of stable leadership” and maintain Djibouti’s status as a strategic hub in the Horn of Africa.
Opposition figures and civil society activists, however, criticized the move, arguing that it undermines democratic renewal and entrenches one-man rule.
President Guelleh, who has led Djibouti since 1999, is credited with transforming the small Horn of Africa nation into a vital commercial and military center. Under his leadership, Djibouti has hosted foreign military bases from the United States, France, China, and Japan, generating significant revenue. He has also overseen infrastructure investments, including the Djibouti International Free Trade Zone and modern port facilities.
However, critics point to growing concerns about limited political space, restricted media freedoms, and lack of term limits.
“This amendment symbolizes both stability and stagnation,” said a regional political analyst. “While it ensures policy continuity, it also risks alienating younger generations who are demanding political participation and reform.”
Implications: The decision is likely to shape Djibouti’s political landscape ahead of the next elections. Supporters see Guelleh’s leadership as vital to maintaining security in a volatile region bordering Somalia, Ethiopia, and Yemen. Detractors fear it may deepen political tensions and curb democratic progress.
