President Guelleh Pays Tribute to FRUD Leader Ali Mohamed Daoud

Djibouti, April 2, 2026 - The President of the Republic, Ismail Omar Guelleh, has paid tribute to Ali Mohamed Daoud, widely known as Jean-Marie, a figure in Djibouti’s political landscape and president of the Front for the Restoration of Unity and Democracy (FRUD), who died overnight from Wednesday to Thursday following a prolonged illness. In a statement released on Thursday, President Guelleh praised the late politician’s enduring contributions to both political and social life, describing him as a figure who consistently placed “the general interest above personal interests.” He also recalled Daoud’s role in efforts to restore peace and national cohesion during the 1990s, a period marked by episodes of unrest in the country. “Our fellow citizens will long remember the invaluable contribution he made to restoring peace and cohesion,” the president said. According to the head of state, Daoud’s popularity stemmed from his “social intelligence and open-mindedness,” qualities that earned him broad respect across Djiboutian society. President Guelleh extended his condolences to the family of the deceased, as well as to members and supporters of the FRUD and the broader Union for the Presidential Majority (UMP). In response to the death, the president announced the suspension of his electoral campaign for three days, cancelling a planned tour of the regions of Obock and Tadjourah. A former minister and a widely respected national figure, Ali Mohamed Daoud leaves behind a large family and a significant political legacy. The head of state, accompanied by several government officials including Prime Minister Abdoulkader Kamil Mohamed, as well as senior members of the UMP and a large cross-section of the public, attended the funeral ceremony held in his honor.