Democracy News

Protestors In Djibouti Call For President’s Removal Ahead of Election
February 10, 2011
By: Randi Zung | Printer Friendly

Following waves of civil unrest across North Africa, on February 9, citizens in Djibouti took to the streets to call for the resignation of President Ismail Omar Guelleh ahead of the country’s April 2011 presidential election.  Djibouti Plan – a London-based organization that campaigns for reform and free and fair elections in Djibouti – reported that the protestors were sprayed with tear gas and arrested by police forces.  Notable arrestees include Jean-Paul Noël-Abdi, president of the Djibouti League of Human Rights, and Farah Abadid Hildid, a member of the Movement for Democratic Renewal party.  Similar demonstrations are scheduled to take place on February 18 and 25.

In a press statement, the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) called for Noël Abdi’s immediate and unconditional release.  Additionally, FIDH stated that Noël Abdi’s detention violates at least three articles of the Declaration on Human Rights Defenders, which was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in December 1998. 

The civil unrest in Djibouti comes just days after Guelleh was announced as a presidential candidate.  On February 2, Somali news outlet Harawo reported that Guelleh had been confirmed as a candidate during a live national broadcast.  Commenting on the nomination, Prime Minister Mohamed Dileita Dileita praised Guelleh and his Union for Presidential Majority party for “[promoting] and [symbolizing] the values of true democracy.”

Guelleh came to power in 1999, following an election where he won 74 percent of the vote.  During the country’s 2005 presidential election, Guelleh ran unopposed and received 100 percent of the vote.  In April 2010, the country’s parliament approved a constitutional amendment that now allows Guelleh to run for a third term.  Guelleh’s current term expires in April 2011.

According to Freedom House’s annual Freedom in the World report, Djibouti is ranked as “Not Free,” meaning that citizens in the country lack basic civil liberties and political rights.  Djibouti was previously ranked as “Partly Free,” but was demoted after the constitution was amended in April 2010.

For previous news on Djibouti, please see:
President of Djibouti Hints At Third Term Despite Current Two Term Limit

Sources:
Harawo - Ismail Omar Gulled UMP candidate in the presidential election of April 2011

Djibouti Plan - Citizens take to streets in Djibouti

International Federation for Human Rights - Arrest and detention of Mr. Jean-Paul Noel Abdi (French)

Freedom House – Freedom in the World 2011