“It is in empathy and harmony that we will be able to meet all the challenges to our development.”
H.E. Mr. Ismail Omar Guelleh
President of the Republic of Djibouti
Head of Government
Djibouti is a country located in the Horn of Africa, facing the Arabian Peninsular. It became an independent and sovereign nation in 1997, when a majority of its population voted for independence from France. Djibouti is a constitutional republic. The President, who is also head of government, is elected by direct universal suffrage for 6 years. The legislative power is vested in the National Assembly consisting of a single chamber with 65 members elected by universal suffrage on a list for 5 years. Djibouti’s independent judiciary and constitutional council ensure the supremacy of the constitution, and the office of the Ombudsman gives Djiboutians ready and easy access to peaceful redress in the event of any grievance. This robust yet responsive framework has enabled Djibouti to maintain political stability and achieve considerable social progress and economic development since independence.
Not being endowed with mineral wealth or natural resources, modern Djibouti is building its prosperity on its traditional role as a trading and communications crossroads linking Europe to Asia via the Red Sea, and to Africa to the Gulf countries in the Indian Ocean. The government’s ‘Vision 2035’ project sets out the development plan for a network of roads, ports, airports and telecommunications infrastructure that will realize this ambitious but achievable aim.
Conscious of the responsibilities attendant in its geo-strategic destiny, Djibouti is an active member in the international community, and has provided invaluable support for humanitarian and security operations in the region.