DJIBOUTI – As the Long oppressed population of Djibouti; a tiny Horn of Africa nation, continue with their long struggle against the iron-fisted rule of President Ismail Guelleh. The nation, which gained independence from France in 1977, has witnessed an uninterrupted reign by Guelleh since he assumed office in 1999.
The President’s prolonged and entrenched rule has sparked concerns among Djibouti’s citizens and international observers alike even as he shows no signs of relinquishing control despite being in power for five terms, nearing a record 30 years period.
Djibouti, strategically located on the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait, is of significant geopolitical importance due to its proximity to key shipping routes and its hosting of foreign military bases. The nation also serves as a crucial hub for global trade and a base for international military operations. Djibouti, a country with a population of less than a million, possesses vast wealth and generates massive revenues from foreign military bases and international investments in port facilities. However, the majority of its citizens struggle with a lack of basic necessities such as running water, electricity, and job opportunities.
That stark disparity between wealth and public welfare further highlights the government’s failure to address the needs of its people.
The lack of transparency, nepotism, and disregard for institutional checks and balances undermines the hopes for a more democratic and equitable future for the nation which continues to live under the autocratic rule of Ismail Omar Guelleh.
Guelleh, a seasoned dictator who has held the reins of power for over two decades, had strategically positioned his kins in crucial positions, thereby enabling their domination of the entire system and cementing his power.
According to Djibouti opposition, President Guelleh’s ability to remain in power, often anchored on loyalists drawn exclusively from his sub-clan of Mamasan, is seen as a clear indication of his intention to hold onto power through also quashing dissent by jailing thousands of opposition over the years, hence perpetuating his rule. His preferred network of familial dominance has powered him to maintain a firm grip on power, thwarting any potential threats to his rule.
Attempts by civil society groups, opposition figures and activists advocating for political reform have also encountered obstacles, including repression and legal hurdles. The President has also turned a blind eye to calls for respect for human rights, fostering democratic principles and promoting a more inclusive political environment by the international community.
Critics argue that Guelleh’s iron-fisted approach stifles freedom of expression and hampers the growth of a vibrant and inclusive political landscape.
Besides the international human rights organizations expressing concerns regarding Djibouti’s democratic process and the limited space for political opposition.
Watchdogs have also repeatedly countless instances of repression, including the intimidation and persecution of dissenting voices.
One Family’s Complete Dominance
Having strategically positioned his close relatives in all key positions, this strategy had allowed his tightly-knit comm unity of Mamasan to dominate the entire system and solidify his authority. Despite facing criticism, Guelleh has rewarded his relatives with crucial positions within his administration. The Director of National Intelligence Hassan Said Khaireh hails from the Isse/Mamasan same as the Chief of Defense Forces Major General Zakaria Chiekh Ibrahim.
President Guelleh loyalists dominate nearly all ministries in a recently implemented Cabinet reshuffle replacing members from other communities. This has raised concerns about nepotism and the exclusion of qualified and capable individuals as his loyalists, enjoyed their positions for extended periods.
This practice only perpetuates the concentration of power within a select few less for the President’s commitment to democratic governance and accountability as opportunities for a more inclusive distribution of authority are limited. Such power concentration within a tightly knit inner circle erodes transparency and inclusivity of Djibouti’s political system.
Moreover, the complete immunity from prosecution over the widespread corruption practices enjoyed by Guelleh’s close relatives throughout his reign has further exacerbated the situation.
According to several government officials speaking on condition of anonymity, the Guelleh’s close relatives and family members exercise control over critical economic and revenue sources, including the ports and domestic finances, leaving the mainstream Djibouti population at a disadvantage and contributing to widespread poverty.
Such examples include the President’s daughter Haibado Ismael Omar who is the Presidential Advisor on Economy and Administration, the Director of Customs Gouled Ahmed Youssouf, and the Director of National Electricity Company Djama Ali Guelleh who all belong to Isse/Mamasan. The Finance Minister, Ilyas Moussa Dawaleh’s cousin Fatouma Saïd Dawaleh is married to Najib Abdullahi Kamil, the First Lady’s son from a past marriage.
Although Haibado, Guelleh’s daughter, holds no official title, she exercises more power and influence than the Finance Minister, overshadowing him by making crucial decisions within the Ministry and the overall economic portfolio. This blatant nepotism further raises concerns about transparency and fair governance.
In addition to that, Guelleh’s relatives also dominate the parliament and other government agencies, reinforcing their influence over key decision-making processes.
Among those individuals is Abdoulkader Kamil Mohamed, the nominal Prime Minister of Djibouti, who is not only among the President’s loyalists but also happens to be the husband of his cousin Saadia Aïnaché Guelleh. Also, the Minister of Justice, Ali Hassan Bahdon, is married to Nasli Abdullahi Mohamed Kamil, the First Lady’s daughter from previous marriage, further solidifying familial control over crucial posts. Additionally, the Minister of Urban Planning and Housing Amina Abdi Aden and the Minister of Education Mustafa Mohamed Mohamud both belong to the First Lady’s family, further reinforcing allegations of preferential treatment.
Perhaps most concerning is the significant presence of the president’s immediate family members in the management of the Djibouti ports. Approximately 80% of the personnel responsible for overseeing Ports are relatives of President Guelleh, including notable figures such as Aboubaker Omar Hadi, Chairman of Port Authorities and Free Zone and Djama Ibrahim Dharar Director General of Douraleh Multipurpose Port, in a further concentration of power that raises questions about fair competition and impartiality within the economic sector.
Among the influential figures in Djibouti’s government is Nyckoss Tommy Tayoro, an Ivorian man who married Guelleh’s daughter, Fatouma-Awo Ismael Omar. That marriage has propelled him to become one of the wealthiest and most powerful political figures in Djibouti, further consolidating the President’s influence.
Furthermore, the Director of External Affairs, Guelleh Idiris Omar, who is the President’s nephew has taken over the responsibilities of the Foreign Minister, reducing the latter to a mere figurehead with a ceremonial role who lacks any real authority. That move among many others further reveals the consolidation of power within the president’s inner circle.
Another alarming example is the extended custody of Former Police Chief Abdullahi Abdi, despite having presented no official charges against him. He has been replaced with Abdourahman Ali Kahin, a close relative of the President.
According to his family, his years-long continued detention not only raises questions about the due process but also highlights Guelleh’s willingness to replace key positions with family members to maintain control.
Compounding the challenges faced by the Djiboutian people, most cabinet members are either married to Guelleh’s close relatives or are part of his own family.
The following Is a list of a few key positions held by Guelleh’s relatives, who also double as his inner circle. The Horn Examiner remains committed to compiling further information and lists to shed light on the underreported situation in Djibouti, where freedom of expression and independent media remains nonexistent.
Colonel Mohamed Djama Doualeh: Republican Guard, Isse/Mamasan
Colonel Wais Omar Bogoreh: Commander of Coastal Guards, Isse/Mamasan
Colonel Ahmed Daher Djama: Commander of the National Marine Forces, Isse/Mamasan
Colonel Abdourahman Ali Kahin: Director General of Police Forces, Isse/Mamasan
Colonel Wahib Moussa Kalinleh: Commander of Air Forces, Isse/Mamasan
Ahmed Osman Ali: Governor of Central Bank, Isak/Habar Awal.
Mohamed Abdillahi Wais: Chief of Staff of the Presidency, Isse/Mamasan
Youssouf Aouled Farah: Director of Prime Minister’s Office, Isse/Mamasan
Guelleh Idriss Omar Guelleh: Director of Multilateral Relations at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Isse/Mamasan
Amb. Mohamed Siad Doualeh: Ambassador to the United Sates of America and the United Nations, Isse/Mamasan
Cheikh Houssein Ali, In-Charge of Dawah and Propoganda. Isse/Mamasan
Amb Abdi Mahmoud Ibe, Ambassador of the Republic of Djibouti to Ethiopia/ Permanent Representative to African Union and UNECA, Isak/Habar Awal
Houssein Ahmed Houssein, General Manager of Horizon Port, Isak/Habar Awal
Mohamed Assoweh Bouh, the Director General of Djibouti Telecom Isse/Fourlaba. He holds a significant position in the company and enjoys a close relationship with the president, as they are related on his maternal side. He is also married to a Mamassan woman who shares a close association with the president.
Hassan Issa Sultan : State Inspector General, Isak/Habar Awal
Almis Mohamed Abdillahi : General Secretary of the Government at the Presidency. in Djibouti, the Head of State is also the Head of Government. Isak/Habar Awal
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