Analysis of Djibouti’s presidential election

There is little commentary in English on developments in Djibouti, a close ally of both France and the United States.

After Djibouti’s parliament removed term limits from the constitution, President Ismail Omar Guelleh won a third term in April with 80 percent of the vote.

The principal opposition party boycotted the election, and Guelleh only faced a late entry independent candidate. His reelection means that Djibouti has been governed by the same family and party since independence more than 30 years ago.

Writing for Consultancy Africa, Madie Schutte prepared a brief analysis of the election and its implications for the future of Djibouti.

The analysis takes into account political protests in Djibouti earlier this year related to the “Arab spring” in North Africa and the Middle East and suggests these developments could create tensions in Djibouti and become a factor in the stability of the state.