Thursday October 30, 2025
Djibouti’s President Ismail Omar Geelle delivers remarks during a ceremony in Arta, Djibouti, marking the 25th anniversary of the 2000 Arta Conference, which produced Somalia’s first transitional government after years of conflict. ARTA, Djibouti (HOL) — Djibouti’s President Ismail Omar Geelle has called on Somalis to unite and rebuild their nation through self-reliance, even as he strengthens his own hold on power following a controversial constitutional change that could extend his 26-year rule.
Speaking Thursday in Djibouti City at a ceremony marking the
25th anniversary of the 2000 Arta Conference, the monumental gathering that produced Somalia’s first transitional government after years of conflict, Geelle urged Somali leaders and citizens to work together rather than depend on foreign actors.
“Somalis, only you can rebuild your country,” Geelle said. “Foreigners may help you, but they often seek to keep you dependent. Trust in yourselves and stand together to strengthen your nation.”
Geelle defended his government’s record as a stabilizing force in a volatile region, saying Djibouti’s enduring support for Somalia reflected both historical ties and shared security interests. “If yesterday I said, ‘stand with me,’ today I say, ‘stand with one another,’” he told the audience, calling for unity among Somali politicians and the public.
The Djiboutian leader’s remarks came days after his parliament voted to remove the
constitutional age limit for presidential candidates, effectively allowing the 77-year-old to seek a sixth term in office in the 2026 elections. All 65 lawmakers present approved the amendment, which still requires presidential assent or a national referendum to take effect.
Djibouti, home to the only permanent U.S. military base in Africa and several foreign installations, wields outsized influence across the Horn of Africa. The country’s stability has enabled it to play a mediating role in Somalia’s political recovery, from hosting the 2000 Arta peace talks to supporting the African Union’s counterterrorism mission in recent years.