Act I: The “Sheraton” Welcomes New Guests
For weeks, Djiboutians have been treated to a spectacle worthy of a television series. The latest episode features barons of the Ismail Omar Guelleh (IOG) regime enjoying a short, unfortunate stay at the “Gabode’s Sheraton.”
This ironic nickname was coined by the barons themselves when they were in power, using it to refer to the infamous Gabode prison while they handled the president’s dirty work. The world saw the resort’s horrendous conditions thanks to jailed Lieutenant Fouad, who famously smuggled a video out.
Act II: The Cast of Characters
The Headliner: Abdillahi Abdi, Director of the National Police. A man infamous for his brutality and for amassing a fortune by extorting local traders. As the regime’s armed enforcer, he ran an illegal phone-tapping system and is notably close to the equally infamous First Lady, Khadra Hayd.
The Supporting Baron: Bodeh Ahmed Robleh, former budget minister. Suspected of massive embezzlement of public funds during his tenure—all in full view of the regime.
This casting choice begs the questions every Djiboutian is asking: Why them? And why now?
Act III: A Flashback to the Original Script
To understand this plot, one must rewind to Independence in 1977. The former colonial power, France, orchestrated a seamless transfer of power to Hassan Gouled, making him President with the help of Afars wary of Greater Somalia.
The first purge swiftly followed. Anti-French pansomalists and valiant fighters of the FLCS were eliminated, with the complicity of Somalia’s President Siad Barre. Names like Omar Osman Rabeh, Omar Chardi Bouni, and others were among the first victims. Since that day, power has remained firmly within one family and one clan. (Wasn’t Hassan Gouled, after all, IOG’s uncle?).
Act IV: A Recurring Plot Device
Purges have been a regular feature since 1977, often following sham elections meant to project an image of openness—a fiction the public long ago stopped believing.
As Uncle Hassan Gouled neared the twilight of his reign, he meticulously cleared the stage for his nephew IOG. From 1995 onward, potential rivals were eliminated: imprisoned via coup-plotting schemes fabricated by IOG, poisoned (Jama), assassinated (Sheikho), or forced into exile (Kadamy).
The Ironic Twist: The regime has a habit of turning on its own executioners. The ruthless former police chief Yacin Yabeh, the associate-turned-archenemy Abdourahman Boreh, and now Abdillahi Abdi himself—all supported previous purges before becoming victims.
Act V: The Final Season?
History is repeating itself more than a quarter-century later, using the same methods to achieve the same goal: transferring power to another Guelleh.
Why now? The reasons are an open secret: IOG is diminished by age and illness. Stressed by an unfavorable regional context, he is in a race against time to secure the succession and ensure the family regime’s continuity.
Will such a handover be possible, especially now that the people seek not just a change of power, but an end to the colonial legacy? Only time will tell.
In the meantime, the audience watches. The disgraced barons and wannabes keep falling, and a new cast rushes to replace them. Tune in for the next episode.
Good resume. An other article about the political forces in presence will be welcome.
Thank you Mahdi for your comment. Your contribution is also welcome.
It seems that your are a real djiboutien.
Where are all the djiboutiens names illiminated and erased of the History of Djibouti since the independance???
The History of Djibouti will be written one Day by itself.
Thank you Orgobe for your comment. This is one perspective on Djibouti. Yours is also welcome.