President Guelleh seeks to extend rule as Djibouti heads to the polls

Djibouti headed to the polls on Friday with President Ismaïl Omar Guelleh expected to secure a sixth term, extending his nearly three-decade rule after lawmakers removed presidential age limits last year, according to a Reuters report.

The 78-year-old leader, who has governed since 1999, is widely seen as the frontrunner in a race featuring only one challenger, Mohamed Farah Samatar of the Unified Democratic Centre. Analysts note that the legal changes adopted in October 2025 removed the 75-year age cap, allowing Guelleh to run again without constitutional barriers.

The election marks the next phase in Djibouti’s political trajectory, with Guelleh campaigning on continuity and stability in a region often marked by volatility. The country has maintained relative calm compared to neighbours such as Somalia and Ethiopia, while positioning itself as a key economic gateway to landlocked Ethiopia.

Samatar has focused his campaign on governance reforms, pledging to tackle corruption, reduce public spending inefficiencies, and expand social programs, according to regional reporting by AP News.

Djibouti’s strategic importance continues to shape its political outlook. Located at the entrance to the Red Sea, the country hosts multiple foreign military bases, including those of the United States, China, France, Japan, and Italy, underscoring its role in global security and maritime trade routes.

Human rights organisations have raised concerns over political freedoms, accusing authorities of restricting opposition activity and limiting press space, claims the government has consistently denied.

As voting unfolds, the outcome is expected to reinforce Guelleh’s long-standing leadership while setting the tone for Djibouti’s governance and economic direction in the coming years.