Djibouti Parliament Prepares for Crucial Constitutional Amendment to Pave Way for Sixth Presidential Term

– October 20, 2025

The political arena in Djibouti is preparing to enter a new phase following the National Assembly’s setting of a crucial date for voting on a “Draft Constitutional Law” this Sunday, October 26. This move is widely seen as aiming to pave the way for the current President, Ismaël Omar Guelleh, to run for a sixth presidential term.

Parliamentary Decision Details

This announcement followed the meeting of the Parliamentary “Conference of Presidents” held on Sunday, October 19, 2025, chaired by the President of the National Assembly, Mr. Dileita Mohamed Dileita, and attended by the Prime Minister, His Excellency Mr. Abdoulkader Kamil Mohamed. The Conference, which coordinates parliamentary activities, approved the agenda for the second ordinary session of 2025.

While the official agenda included referring standard financial and economic bills to the relevant committees—such as the final budget settlement bill for 2024 and the revised budget bill for 2025—the most notable decision was confirming the special voting session on October 26, which is dedicated to the “Draft Constitutional Law.”

The Sixth Term Scenario

Sources close to decision-making circles indicate that this constitutional proposal is the legislative mechanism intended to bypass or eliminate the existing term limits for the presidency.

Information suggests that the political plan is proceeding according to a precise timeline:

1. October 22: The first public plenary session of the parliamentary session convenes.
2. October 25: The drafting and preparation of the amendment allowing the President to run is expected to be finalized.
3. October 26: The voting session on the new Constitutional Law is scheduled to ensure its passage.

This move is tied to a pre-arranged political narrative, where key actors in the Conference are expected to frame the matter as an “appeal and necessity” for President Guelleh to run again. This urgency is anticipated to be justified by claiming that “the region is going through a difficult period,” and that the current President is the “only person capable” of leading the country through this phase, attempting to present the continuation of his rule as a vital national and security imperative.

Expected Ramifications

Should the constitutional amendment be approved on October 26, it will transform speculation regarding President Guelleh’s succession into a clear certainty regarding his intention to seek a sixth term. Analysts classify this development as introducing medium-to-high domestic political risks in the short term, stemming from the perception of a process of “customizing” the Constitution, despite the implementation being carried out with the full support of state institutions.