List of Presidents of Djibouti: Past and Present

Last updated November 2026

This page lists the presidents and heads of state of Djibouti from 1977 to the present, with the years each leader was in office and a short summary of their time in power. Use it to find the current president of Djibouti, former presidents, and key dates in the country's political history.

Current president of Djibouti: Ismaïl Omar Guelleh (in office since 1999).

Presidents of Djibouti in order, with years in office

Hassan Gouled Aptidon

Served: 1977–1999

First president, from independence in 1977 until he stepped down in 1999.

Ismaïl Omar Guelleh

Served: 1999–present

In power since 1999; the age limit was removed by a constitutional change in November 2025, and he won a sixth term in the 10 April 2026 election with over 97% of the vote, sworn in on 9 May 2026.

Frequently asked questions about the presidents of Djibouti

Who is the current president of Djibouti?

The current head of state of Djibouti is Ismaïl Omar Guelleh, in office since 1999.

Who were the previous presidents of Djibouti?

The presidents and heads of state of Djibouti listed on this page, in order, are: Hassan Gouled Aptidon, Ismaïl Omar Guelleh.

Who was the first president of Djibouti?

Hassan Gouled Aptidon was the first president of Djibouti, in office 1977–1999.

Sources: Wikipedia, President of Djibouti; Reuters, AP and Al Jazeera reports on the April 2026 election (checked Nov 2026). Djibouti has had two presidents since independence in 1977.. Last reviewed November 2026.

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