The ruling People’s Rally for Progress party in Djibouti has nominated President Ismail Omar Guelleh for a sixth presidential term during an extraordinary conference. Guelleh, who has been in power since 1999, is expected to run in the upcoming elections on April 9, 2026, following a constitutional amendment allowing his candidacy. The political landscape shows significant support for his re-nomin.
The ruling People’s Rally for Progress party in Djibouti has nominated President Ismail Omar Guelleh to run in the upcoming presidential elections. This decision was made during an extraordinary conference held at the People’s Palace in Djibouti City, attended by party leaders and representatives from across the country.
Guelleh, who has been in power since 1999, is running for a sixth term following a constitutional amendment that allows him to seek re-election. The elections are scheduled for April 9, 2026, and there are widespread expectations of his victory, given the party’s dominance in the political landscape.
The conference of the Presidential Majority Union in Djibouti saw significant participation from allied parties, including the Front for the Restoration of Unity and Democracy, the National Democratic Party, the Social Democratic People’s Party, and the Union for Progress and the Republic. These political forces have announced their support for Guelleh’s candidacy, representing their coalition in the upcoming elections.
This political alignment reflects a unified front behind President Guelleh, aimed at strengthening his political legitimacy and consolidating internal unity ahead of the electoral challenge. Notably, the Union for Democracy and Justice, one of the main opposition parties, has also joined the list of supporters for the president’s nomination, adding a national dimension to the decision that transcends narrow party interests.
This broad support is seen as an indicator of a rare political consensus in Djibouti, reflecting a shared desire to maintain stability and continue the development trajectory the country has experienced in recent years.
In his speech at the conference, President Guelleh accepted the party’s nomination, stating that the renewed trust in him is a “true expression of the will of the Djiboutian people and their belief in a bright future for the nation.” He emphasized that the upcoming phase requires “more work and unity to strengthen national cohesion and enhance state achievements.”
Guelleh noted that Djibouti has managed to maintain its stability despite the complex political and economic transformations occurring globally, urging citizens to uphold the spirit of unity, justice, and equality. He announced his intention to present a balanced national program aimed at promoting sustainable development and preserving stability.
Ismail Guelleh is the second president of Djibouti since its independence from France in 1977, and under his leadership, the country has witnessed significant economic and developmental changes, including infrastructure development and the enhancement of Djibouti’s strategic position as a logistics center in the Horn of Africa.
Ismail Omar Guelleh has been the President of Djibouti since 1999, making him one of the longest-serving leaders in the region. His presidency has been marked by significant economic development and infrastructure projects, positioning Djibouti as a strategic logistics hub in the Horn of Africa.
The political landscape in Djibouti has historically been characterized by limited opposition and a dominant ruling party, which has maintained control through various means, including constitutional amendments that facilitate extended terms for incumbents.
