Ismaïl Omar Guelleh has unveiled a new 26-member cabinet following his re-election in April 2026, forming his first government of the new term and signalling continuity in key state institutions.
The announcement was made through a presidential decree, confirming a reshuffle that retains several senior officials in strategic ministries while expanding female representation in government.
Long-serving Finance Minister Ilyas Moussa Dawaleh keeps his position, while Abdoulkader Houssein Omar continues as Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation as well as government spokesperson. Hassan Omar Bourhan remains Defence Minister, and Omar Abdi Said retains the Interior portfolio.
The new cabinet includes eight women, reflecting what officials describe as a push for broader inclusion in governance. Mouna Osman Aden takes over as Health Minister, while Hana Farah Assoweh leads the Ministry of Women and Family Affairs. Ouloufa Ismail Abdo has been appointed Minister of Social Affairs and Solidarity.
Other female appointments include Amina Abdi Aden in Urbanism and Housing, Fardoussa Moussa Egueh in Youth and Culture, Safia Mohamed Ali Gadileh in Digital Economy and Innovation, and Mariam Hamadou Ali in Investments and Private Sector Development.
Fatouma Ali Abdallah was named Secretary of State for Sports.
The cabinet is the first since Guelleh secured another term in office, winning 97.81 percent of the vote in the April election under the Union for the Presidential Majority coalition. His main challenger, Mohamed Farah Samatar of the Unified Democratic Centre, received 2.19 percent.
President Guelleh, who has been in power since 1999, continues one of Africa’s longest presidencies. His latest re-election followed a constitutional change that removed the presidential age limit, allowing him to extend his rule.
Analysts say the new cabinet reflects a balance between political continuity and limited renewal, with key security and economic posts remaining in familiar hands while women’s representation in government reaches a record level for the country.
Officials say the new administration will focus on economic stability, infrastructure development, and strengthening Djibouti’s role as a strategic hub for trade and security in the Horn of Africa.
