After 26 years in power, Djibouti’s Guelleh eyes sixth term amid fears of a looming political crossroads

Ismail Omar Guelleh, the president of Djibouti, will officially run for his sixth term after his party nominated him to contest for the upcoming elections scheduled for April 2026, with parliament voting to remove age limits recently.

The announcement was made during an extraordinary party congress at the Palais du Peuple, attended by supporters from across the country. This officially confirms that he will likely stay in power, given the limited democracy in the country.

During the meeting, President Guelleh accepted the nomination with gratitude, reaffirming his commitment to unity, stability, and development amid global challenges, Addis Standard reports.

It was reported that on 3 November 2025, Djibouti's parliament removed the age limit for presidents with a unanimous vote, opening the way for leader Ismail Omar Guelleh to run for a sixth term.

Since 1999, Guelleh, who is now 77, has been ruling the tiny Horn of Africa nation, which hosts military bases for France, the US, China, Japan, and Italy. Djibouti's lawmakers unanimously approved the change to the constitution to remove a bar on running for president past the age of 75.

In Addis Standards, the weekend op-ed titled “Djibouti at a Crossroads: The presidential transition crisis ahead of April 2026 elections,” the writer argues that Djibouti is showing signs of a deepening political crisis, as President Ismail Omar Guelleh considers amending the constitution to pursue a sixth term.

This move coincides with growing internal divisions among the ruling elite over his potential successor.

Rising tensions and conflict among Djibouti’s political and tribal elites could undermine the governance system and weaken state institutions, with repercussions for regional stability and the interests of influential regional and international powers, the author further says.

GAROWE ONLINE