Amanze Chinonye
Djibouti’s parliament has voted unanimously to remove the constitutional age limit for presidential candidates, a move that could allow President Ismaïl Omar Guelleh, 77, to extend his more than two-decade rule.
The amendment, passed on Sunday, October 26, 2025, by all 65 members of the National Assembly, abolishes the 75-year upper-age restriction that had previously barred older contenders from running for president. The decision now opens the door for Guelleh to contest the 2026 presidential election scheduled for April.
Speaker of Parliament Dileita Mohamed Dileita described the constitutional change as “necessary for national stability,” arguing that Djibouti’s leadership continuity is crucial in a volatile regional environment. “This reform strengthens our democracy and ensures continuity during a period of global uncertainty,” Dileita said following the vote.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelUnder Djibouti’s constitutional process, the amendment still requires formal approval from the president or a national referendum, followed by a final parliamentary ratification vote expected in early November.
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Guelleh, who first took office in 1999 after succeeding the country’s founding president, Hassan Gouled Aptidon, is already one of Africa’s longest-serving leaders. His rule has been marked by relative political stability and steady foreign investment but also by consistent allegations of authoritarianism, suppression of dissent, and restrictions on press freedom.
The latest amendment effectively removes the last constitutional barrier preventing Guelleh from seeking re-election. The age cap had been introduced under a 2010 constitutional reform, which simultaneously reduced presidential terms from six to five years but eliminated term limits allowing indefinite re-election.
Critics view the latest change as an attempt to consolidate power ahead of the 2026 polls. Opposition parties, including the Union for Democracy and Justice (UDJ), boycotted the vote, describing the process as undemocratic and designed to extend Guelleh’s political dominance. “This amendment is less about democracy and more about perpetuating one-man rule,” said a UDJ member in exile.
Public reaction has been mixed, though independent verification of dissent remains difficult due to the government’s firm control over media and political expression. Analysts say the reform highlights the tension between Djibouti’s reputation for stability and its limited political freedoms.
Despite its small population of under one million, Djibouti plays an outsized role in global geopolitics. Its strategic location at the mouth of the Red Sea along the Bab el-Mandeb Strait has made it a key host for foreign military bases, including those of the United States, France, China, and Japan.
This positioning has strengthened Guelleh’s international partnerships while reinforcing his domestic legitimacy as a guarantor of security.
If Guelleh chooses to run and wins in 2026, his presidency would stretch beyond 27 years, cementing his place among Africa’s longest-ruling leaders and raising fresh questions about democratic renewal in the Horn of Africa nation.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
