Monday, July 20, 2026

78-year-old Djibouti’s president Guelleh wins sixth term; extends 27-year reign

Mr Guelleh’s victory will be ratified by judges on the constitutional council before his inauguration.

• April 13, 2026
Ismail Guelleh.
Ismail Guelleh.

Djibouti’s President Ismail Omar Guelleh has won election for the sixth time, polling 98 per cent and extending his 27- year reign in the East African country.

Mr Guelleh, who is the second president Djibouti has had since independence in 1977, was announced winner of the poll electoral on the state-owned Radio Television Djibouti on Saturday.

The 78-year-old president won the election with 97.8 per cent of the vote, while only sole challenger Mohamed Farah Samatar polled 2.19 per cent. 

The election boycotted by most of the opposition candidates saw Mr Guelleh aiming for another five-year term.

Mr Guelleh’s victory will be ratified by judges on the constitutional council before his inauguration.

Mr Guelleh’s re-election was sealed after an amendment to the Djibouti’s constitution scrapped the 75 years age limit for presidential candiate in November, 2025.

We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.

More from Peoples Gazette

farmers

Agriculture

FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology

The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices

Katsina State

Politics

Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku

“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”

Economy

OPay leads Nigeria’s fight against digital fraud

Elizabeth Wang, chief commercial officer of OPay, noted that technology should not only make payments easier but also make financial services more trusted and more inclusive.

Opinion

Aderonke Atoyebi: One Year After the Tax Reform Laws: Tinubu’s economic foresight is taking shape

How President Tinubu’s bold reforms and Dr Zacch Adedeji’s leadership at the Nigeria Revenue Service are driving record revenue growth and building a more resilient economy.

States

Troops arrest suspected terrorist logistics suppliers in Borno

Mr Goni said troops recovered 202 cartons of herbicides, one jerrycan containing suspected acid, and one Starlink wireless internet communication system, among other items.

Hot news Home top

FULL SPEECH: ‘I go with good grace,’ Starmer says in final speech as UK PM

Keir Starmer gave his final speech as prime minister on the steps of Downing Street.

Folashade Ambrose

Economy

Lagos inaugurates accelerator training for N10 million single-digit MSME loans

The loans will be provided under the Lagos State Access to Finance for SMEs through Cooperatives (LASMECO) programme.

Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia

Politics

My administration remains focused on service, says Gov Alia

Governor Hyacinth Alia says his administration remains undeterred, focused, and deeply committed to serving the people in Benue.