Djibouti - October 2025

On 26 October, Djibouti’s National Assembly unanimously approved a constitutional amendment that removed the pending check on incumbent President Ismaïl Omar Guelleh’s ability to extend his term. The amendment removed the age limit (75) for presidential candidates (Article 23), enabling Guelleh—aged 77—to remain eligible for the 2026 election. Constitutional amendments can be ratified either through a referendum or a second parliamentary vote; Guelleh chose the latter, and the amendment passed again unanimously on 2 November. The amendment follows the 2010 abolition of term limits. Observers noted that opposition parties have limited space to operate and that the ruling Union for the Presidential Majority dominates the legislature, leaving few checks on the president’s ability to shape electoral conditions. In this context, critics said the amendment removed the last formal barrier to Guelleh’s continued participation, further reducing the likelihood of meaningful competition and the chances of party turnover through elections. Guelleh, in power since 1999, confirmed on 8 November that he will seek a sixth term in April.

Sources: Journal Officiel de la République de Djibouti, Jeune Afrique, Dawan Africa, Africa News, Al Jaazera, Garowe Online, Le Monde