Djibouti’s parliament has voted unanimously to remove the constitutional age limit for presidential candidates, a move that could allow President Ismail Omar Guelleh, 77, to extend his more than two-decade rule.
The amendment, passed on Sunday by all 65 members of parliament, abolishes the previous restriction that barred anyone over 75 from running for president. The change now opens the door for Guelleh to seek another term in the 2026 presidential election, scheduled for April.
The decision still requires formal approval from the president himself before being ratified in a final parliamentary vote expected in early November.
Guelleh, who has led Djibouti since 1999, is one of Africa’s longest-serving leaders. His tenure has been marked by political stability and significant foreign investment, but also by widespread allegations of authoritarianism, restrictions on press freedom, and limited political opposition.
Public reaction to the parliament’s move has been mixed, though verifying dissent has proven difficult given the country’s tight control over media and political expression.
Despite its small size and population, Djibouti remains a strategic hub in the Horn of Africa. The country hosts several key foreign military bases, including those of the United States, France, and Japan, underscoring its geopolitical importance along one of the world’s busiest maritime routes.
If Guelleh chooses to run and wins in 2026, it would further extend his presidency beyond 27 years, cementing his place among Africa’s longest-ruling leaders.
Melissa Enoch
