Djibouti’s long-time leader, Ismail Omar Guelleh, has stirred fresh concern over his refusal to step aside, hinting at a possible sixth term even though the country’s constitution clearly bars him from contesting again. At 77, Guelleh is two years over the legal age limit of 75, but when asked about his plans for the 2026 election, he dodged the question. “I won’t answer that,” he told The Africa Report. Yet he left the door wide open, saying, “I love my country too much to lead it into a reckless venture or sow division.”
Constitution Means Nothing in Djibouti
What’s the point of a constitution if it can be ignored so easily? Guelleh has ruled Djibouti since 1999 and seems to be in no rush to leave. After all, he won a laughable 97% of the vote in the last election, and his UMP party dominates parliament. So, changing the constitution again might just be a matter of formality, if that’s what it takes to stay in power. The constitution says no one above 75 can contest. But what does that matter when the one breaking the rule is also the one holding the reins?
Another African President Who Can’t Let Go
Djibouti may be small, but its president’s appetite for power is massive. Guelleh, known as “IOG,” took over from his uncle and mentor, Hassan Gouled Aptidon, who ruled for over two decades. Now Guelleh is in the same position: another African leader rewriting the rules to remain in power. It doesn’t help that Djibouti is too important for foreign powers to care. The country hosts military bases for the US, France, and China, meaning the world will likely look away even if Guelleh decides to toss the constitution out the window.
No Exit Plan, Just Power Hunger
Guelleh says he loves his country too much to cause “division,” but this sounds more like an excuse than a reason. If he truly loved Djibouti, he would respect its laws and let the next generation lead. Instead, he’s thinking of rewriting the constitution, again, just to remain in office. That’s not leadership; that’s obsession.
Guelleh Eyes Sixth Term Despite Age Limit
At this point, it’s not about Djibouti anymore. It’s about Guelleh and his need to hold onto power. A man who’s been in office since 1999 and is now over the constitutional age limit should not even be considering another term. But as usual, the constitution will be bent, and the people will be expected to applaud. Guelleh’s silence says more than words ever could. He’s not leaving anytime soon and that should worry anyone who cares about democracy in Africa.
