Multiparty politics approved

Djibouti President Ismael Omar Guelleh has announced the introduction of multiparty politics to coincide with the 10th anniversary of the country's constitution on 4 September. In a speech to mark the occasion, the president hailed the achievements of the Djibouti people over the last 10 years. He described the 10th anniversary as a "new departure" for the country. "In keeping with this law on which our republican institutions are based, our people will, from today [4 September], participate in the process of multiparty politics," he said, according to the Djibouti news agency (ADI). He cautioned against tribalism, regionalism, demagogy, disrespect for constitutional rule and violence. Djibouti was a one-party state when it gained independence from France in 1977, with the ruling Popular Rally for Progress (PRP) governing the country. In 1992, a law was passed allowing the registration of three more parties. Now, all parties will be recognised, subject to approval by the interior ministry.