Ismail Omar Guelleh Djibouti's president, Ismail Omar Guelleh, attends the opening ceremony of the 24th Africa-France summit, at Cannes, France, February 15, 2007. (more) Ismail Omar Guelleh president of Djibouti Written by Amy McKenna Amy McKenna is a senior editor, primarily focused on geography and history matters pertaining to sub-Saharan Africa. She joined Encyclopaedia Britannica in 2004. She was previously employed by Standard... Amy McKenna Fact-checked by Britannica Editors Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree.... Britannica Editors Last updated Apr. 7, 2026 •History Ismail Omar Guelleh (born November 27, 1947, Dire Dawa, Ethiopia) is the president of Djibouti. Guelleh was first elected to that post in 1999 and has since been reelected multiple times in elections that have been routinely boycotted by the opposition. As president, Guelleh has presided over economic growth and been recognized for his role as a mediator in regional matters, but he has exerted strong control over Djibouti and his rule is noted for...

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