State Structure and Political System of Djibouti

Djibouti is a unitary presidential republic. The new Constitution has been in force since September 15, 1992. The country is divided into 5 districts (2003, people): the capital itself, Ali Sabieh (13,300), Tadjoura (13,300), Dik-Kil (10,800), Obok (8300). Check cancermatters for political system of Djibouti.

The highest legislative body is the National Assembly, which consists of 65 deputies elected by popular vote for a term of 5 years. The right to vote – from the age of 18, the right to be elected – from the age of 23. The head of state is President Ismail Omar Guelleh (since May 8, 1999). The President of the country is elected by popular vote for a period of 5 years, is the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, appoints the Prime Minister and the Cabinet of Ministers. Prime Minister – Dileita Mohamed Dielita (since March 4, 2001).

The judiciary is represented by the Supreme Court, established in 1979. There is also a Supreme Court of Appeal and a court of first instance. The districts have a criminal court, customary law and Islamic law courts.

Main parties: NOP, founded in 1979 on the basis of the LPAI, in 1981-92 – the only legal party, leader – Ismail Omar Guelleh; National Democratic Party (NDP), legalized in 1992, leader – Roble Avale Aden, in June 1996 the NDP formed a common front with dissidents from the NOP, led by Mumin Bahdon Farah; FVED, founded in 1991, in March 1994 the Front split into two factions, one of them cooperates with the NOP, in 1996 it received legal status, the chairman is Ali Muhamed Daoud, the leader of the opposition faction is Ahmed Dini Ahmed; Democratic Renewal Party (PDO), legalized in 1992, oppositional, small in number, divided due to internal contradictions, chairman – Gelle Abdillahi Hamareiteh; The Group for Democracy and the Republic (NOP-GDR) was formed in May 1996 by an opposition group that left the NOP.

Public organizations – the General Union of Labor (GLO), established in 1979, until 1992 it was called the General Union of Workers of Djibouti, is part of the Organization of African Trade Union Unity, chairman – Azmed Jama Egueh.

In the beginning. 21st century Djibouti is developing in an environment of relative political instability and the need for structural economic reforms. After the essentially authoritarian rule of President Gulid, the country moved to a multi-party system. Long-existing contradictions between the two main ethnic groups led to an open armed confrontation. However, the contradictions that have taken place and are taking place between them are not as antagonistic as the contradictions between military-political groups, as conflicts at the level of the political elite of society.

In foreign policy, Djibouti adheres to the principles of non-alignment, supports peace and stability in the Horn of Africa region, and a peaceful settlement of the situation in Somalia. It was Djibouti that played an important role in the creation of the Intergovernmental Council for Drought and Development. Relations with Ethiopia are developing steadily, especially after the Ethiopian-Eritrean border conflict, as a result of which all Ethiopian shipping is carried out through the port of Djibouti. The same conflict led to the rupture of diplomatic relations with Eritrea, which were restored in 2000. In 2002, Germany and Djibouti signed an agreement on the deployment of German troops in Djibouti to fight international terrorism. Since 1977, an agreement with France on friendship and cooperation has been in force. France is responsible for the military defense of the country.

The national army of Djibouti was created in 1977. The law on universal conscription was adopted in 1979. According to the 1992 Constitution, universal conscription is in force for men aged 18 to 25 years. The total number of the Armed Forces is 9600 people, in addition, 1200 people. serve in the gendarmerie detachments and 3000 people. in the national security forces.

Djibouti has diplomatic relations with the Russian Federation (established with the USSR in 1978).

Politics of Djibouti