Ismaïl Omar Guelleh, born on November 27, 1947, in Dire Dawa, Ethiopia, is a Djiboutian politician who has served as the President of Djibouti since 1999. He is widely regarded as a pivotal figure in the country’s political landscape, maintaining his grip on power for more than two decades.

Guelleh was born into a politically prominent Issa Somali family. His uncle, Hassan Gouled Aptidon, was the first President of Djibouti after its independence from France in 1977. Guelleh was educated in both Djibouti and Somalia and spent much of his early years being groomed for leadership under the guidance of his uncle. By the late 1970s, Guelleh had started working in Djibouti’s security services, where he quickly rose through the ranks due to his uncle's influence.

In 1999, Guelleh succeeded his uncle as President of Djibouti, securing victory in the presidential election as the candidate of the ruling party, the People's Rally for Progress (RPP). His first election win marked the start of a long tenure characterized by both political continuity and centralized control over the country's affairs. Over the years, Guelleh has been re-elected several times, often amidst allegations of vote rigging and suppression of opposition parties.

Under his leadership, Djibouti has managed to leverage its strategic position at the entrance to the Red Sea, turning the country into a key hub for international shipping and a base for foreign military forces, including the United States, France, and China. These geopolitical dynamics have brought economic growth and significant international investment to the country, particularly in infrastructure projects, such as port development and railways. However, critics argue that while Guelleh has overseen economic development, political freedoms and democratic reforms have been stifled. His government has faced accusations of corruption, human rights abuses, and a lack of political transparency.

Despite these criticisms, Guelleh has maintained his authority through a mixture of political maneuvering, patronage networks, and strategic alliances with powerful foreign actors. He won his fifth term in office in 2021, extending his presidency well into its third decade. This extended rule has positioned Djibouti as a stable, albeit tightly controlled, state in a volatile region.

Ismaïl Omar Guelleh's legacy remains complex, balancing economic development and international diplomacy against domestic political repression and limited democratic progress.

REFERENCE:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isma%C3%AFl_Omar_Guelleh