Djibouti braces for high-stakes constitutional debate

The President of Djibouti’s National Assembly, Dileita Mohamed Dileita, has announced a special parliamentary session scheduled for Sunday, October 26, 2025, to deliberate on proposed revisions to the country’s Constitution.

According to an official circular signed by President Dileita, all members of the National Assembly have been formally invited to attend. Although the specific details of the proposed amendments have not yet been disclosed, the announcement has already stirred political interest and speculation.

In his message to lawmakers, President Dileita extended his “distinguished consideration” to all members. The upcoming session is widely viewed as one of the most consequential in recent years, coming at a pivotal moment in Djibouti’s political landscape — just months before the 2026 presidential elections, amid intensifying public debate over the country’s future direction.

One of the most vocal critics has been Alex Mohamed, a former advisor to President Ismail Omar Guelleh and once a close ally. Mohamed, who has recently distanced himself from the ruling establishment and is rumored to be eyeing the presidency, issued a warning on social media, suggesting that the country is facing a “constitutional coup d’état”.

“Our country is going through a historic political decline in the context of a coup d’état in preparation,” Mohamed wrote on X (formerly Twitter). “This situation calls upon all of us to act with reason and responsibility, for one day we will have to look future generations in the eye. Let us remain faithful to the Republic, not to a man or an institution. Do not be {Dileita} a mere footnote in the political history of Djibouti, but rather the figure of greatness who refused to affix his signature to this final heist of the century.”

President Ismail Omar Guelleh, who first took office in 1999, is one of Africa’s longest-serving leaders. Having begun his career as a civil servant under French colonial rule, Guelleh rose to prominence as chief of staff and close ally to Djibouti’s founding president Hassan Gouled Aptidon.

When Gouled retired, Guelleh was chosen as his successor and subsequently won the 1999 election, bolstered by strong support within the ruling People’s Rally for Progress (RPP). He has since been re-elected multiple times—in 2005, 2011, 2016, and 2021 — amid criticism from opposition groups and human rights organizations.

While his administration is credited with maintaining political stability and robust economic growth, largely driven by Djibouti’s strategic location at the mouth of the Red Sea and the presence of multiple foreign military bases, Guelleh’s government has also been accused of curbing political freedoms.

Reports from Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have cited recurring instances of press restrictions, arbitrary arrests, and harassment of opposition figures, as well as intimidation of journalists and protesters. Elections have frequently been criticized as lacking transparency and fairness.

The timing of the constitutional revision has raised speculation that President Guelleh may be preparing to seek another term in the April 2026 elections. In a recent interview with The Africa Report, Guelleh hinted at the possibility of running again, despite having already served over two decades in power. However, political observers say that any constitutional changes could be aimed at extending term limits or modifying eligibility requirements, a move that could reshape Djibouti’s political landscape.