Politics & Government Guide in Djibouti

Political system, governance structure, stability indicators, and democratic institutions

Djibouti is a presidential republic dominated by President Ismail Omar Guelleh, in power since 1999, with a ruling coalition holding a supermajority in the unicameral National Assembly. Recent 2025 constitutional amendments removed the presidential age limit, enabling Guelleh's potential sixth term in 2026 amid concerns over democratic backsliding and political longevity.

Government Type

Presidential republic

Legal System

Civil law system

Head of State

President Ismail Omar Guelleh(since 1999)

Head of Government

Prime Minister Abdoulkader Kamil Mohamed(People's Rally for Progress)since 2013

Legislature

Type:unicameral

Lower House:National Assembly (65 seats)

Major Political Parties

Union for a Presidential Majority(UMP)

Ruling coalition

55 seats

Union for National Salvation(USN)

Opposition

10 seats

Voting Rights

Universal suffrage for citizens aged 18 and over

Recent Developments

October 2025 constitutional amendment removed presidential age limit from 75, allowing President Guelleh to run in 2026
Guelleh announced candidacy for sixth term ahead of 2026 presidential election
National Assembly unanimously approved 2025 constitutional revisions tightening candidate eligibility requirements

Voting Age18

SuffrageUniversal

Constitution1992

Regions6