Djibouti’s parliament has voted to remove the presidential age limit of 75, paving the way for 77-year-old President Ismail Omar Guelleh to seek a sixth term in 2026. The amendment, unanimously backed by all 65 lawmakers present when it was put to a vote, still requires either Guelleh’s approval or a referendum. If approved, it will undergo a second and final parliamentary vote on November 2. In power since 1999, Guelleh has maintained tight control over the small but strategically vital nation, home to US, French, and Chinese military bases. While supporters argue the change ensures stability in the volatile Horn of Africa region, critics warn it further entrenches authoritarian rule, citing Djibouti’s restrictive environment for free speech and marginalized opposition.
RFI
