Top Advisor Resigns in Protest Against Djibouti’s Democratic Backslide

TDT | Manama

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A senior advisor and key international spokesman for Djibouti’s long-serving President Ismail Omar Guelleh has resigned, citing concerns over democratic regression and “nepotistic practices.”

Alexis Mohamed, who has served as the president’s close advisor since 2015, said he could no longer support the administration’s direction. “The regression in democracy, the lack of transparency in economic and diplomatic agreements, the marginalization of the republic’s institutions, and the nepotistic management of the state compel me to take this action,” Mohamed said. He added that his decision was carefully considered over the past two years.

President Guelleh has been in power since 1999, transforming the small Horn of Africa nation into a strategic military and maritime hub for both the United States and China. Guelleh has hinted that he may seek another term in office next year, although this would require a constitutional amendment.

Mohamed emphasized that he could not endorse any constitutional change that would allow Guelleh to run again. “Term limits are an essential foundation of any democracy,” he said, calling the proposed amendment “highly detrimental” to Djibouti.

The president, now 77, previously suggested in an interview with Africa Report in May that running for another term remains a possibility, even though the current constitution prohibits candidates over the age of 75.