Djibouti: President Guelleh Wins Sixth Term in Election
Why in the news
Djibouti held a presidential election on 9-10 April 2026 (reports differ on the exact date), and incumbent Ismail Omar Guelleh was returned for a sixth term. He has led the country since 1999.
Key facts
- Winner: Ismail Omar Guelleh of the RPP, re-elected for a sixth term.
- Vote share: above 97%, against a little-known challenger, Mohamed Farah Samatar of the CDU.
- Age limit: the National Assembly voted on 26 October 2025 to scrap the 75-year cap, ratified on 2 November 2025; Guelleh is 78.
- Opposition: major opposition blocs, including the Bloc for National Salvation, fielded no candidates.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Incumbent | Ismail Omar Guelleh |
| In office since | 1999 |
| Term won | Sixth |
| Rival | Mohamed Farah Samatar |
About the context
Guelleh is described as one of Africa’s longest-serving leaders. Observers noted that the contest took place amid very limited opposition, which explains the lopsided margin.
Exam angle
- Remember the name of the winner, the term count (sixth) and the year he took office (1999).
- Questions may ask about the constitutional change that removed the upper age limit for candidates.