US embassy cable - 05DJIBOUTI529

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 06 DJIBOUTI 000529 
 
SIPDIS 
 
STATE FOR AF, AF/E, AND INR/B; 
LONDON, PARIS FOR AFRICA WATCHER 
 
E.O. 12958: DECL: 05/26/2015 
TAGS: PGOV, PINR, PREL, DJ 
SUBJECT: BIOS AND COMMENTARY ON NEW DJIBOUTIAN CABINET 
 
REF: DJIBOUTI 498 
 
Classified By: Pol/Econ Erinn C. Stott for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d). 
 
1. (C) Summary: The following is current bio data on the new 
Ministerial cabinet, announced May 22nd, as well as on 
reasons behind the appointment/change/removal. An outline of 
Guelleh's policy "road map" for his new six-year term will 
follow septel. End Summary. 
 
2. (C) Prime Minister Dileita Mohamed Dileita: Born 12 March 
1958. Dileita is an Afar from Tadjourah district of Djibouti. 
Dileita studied in Egypt, France and Algeria. His first 
position in the government was Assistant Head of Protocol at 
the Presidency. He continued on as Consul and Charge 
d'Affairs at the Djiboutian Embassy in France. In 1997, he 
became the Djiboutian Ambassador to Ethiopia and its 
Permanent Representative to the African Union. In 2000, he 
mediated the Ethiopia/Eritrea conflict along with the 
Ambassadors from Burkina Faso and Zimbabwe resident in Addis 
Ababa. In 2001, he participated in the Paris talks between 
the armed rebels (Front for the Restoration of Unity and 
Democracy - FRUD) and the Government of Djibouti. These 
negotiations resulted in the 2001 Peace Accords and led to 
his appointment as Prime Minister. Dileita was not a major 
player in national politics at the time, but he allied 
himself with powerful people, such as the former Prime 
Minister, Barkat Gourad Hamadou (1978-2001). Although a deft 
politician, Dileita is seen to lack authority due to his 
inexperience in national politics and his unpopularity among 
his own Afar tribe, especially in the Northern districts of 
Djibouti. Dileita is a member of the ruling party (People's 
Rally for Progress - RPP), a member of its political bureau 
and a member of the National Assembly (elected in 2003). 
Comments: Rumors are that the First Lady tried to convince 
Guelleh to remove Dileita as PM in the second term, but to no 
avail. He is not widely respected among Afars and his 
detractors see him as a puppet without political aspirations 
and a convenient choice for Guelleh. 
 
3. (C) Minister of Foreign Affairs and International 
Cooperation, Mahamoud Ali Youssouf: Born 2 September 1965. 
Youssouf is an Afar from the Tadjourah district of Djibouti. 
Earned his Bac A1 in Djibouti. Studied at Lumiere University 
in Lyon, France - received a bachelor's degree in foreign 
languages in 1990. Began his diplomatic career in 1992 at the 
Ministry of Foreign Affairs as head of section in the 
International Organizations Department. Received management 
training in 1995 before taking the position of Director of 
Arab Affairs. In 1997, he was named Djiboutian Ambassador to 
Egypt, where he also served as Djibouti's representative to 
the Arab League. He served as Ambassador until his nomination 
as Minister delegated under the Minister of Foreign Affairs 
charged with International Cooperation in 2001. Youssouf 
speaks fluent French, Arabic, English as well as Somali and 
Afar. 
Comments: Most believe that Youssouf was selected for this 
position for no other reason than his competence in his job. 
He is uniformly praised by Ambassadors accredited to Djibouti 
as the most competent of cabinet ministers. 
 
4. (C) Minister of Presidential Affairs, Charged with 
Promotion of Investment, Osman Ahmed Moussa: Born 1 April 
1964. Moussa is an Issa, sub-clan Saad Moussa. Holds a 
Bachelor's degree in  Administration, Economics and Social 
Studies (AES) and a Master's degree in Mutual Funds and 
Insurance from a French university. Director of the Cabinet 
of the Presidency from 1996-1999. In assuming this position 
he replaced, Ismail Guedi Hared - now opposition leader. 
Appointed Minister of Presidential Affairs in May 1999. 
Reappointed in 2005 to the same position. He has two brothers 
and two sisters. Moussa's brother, Aboubaker is the number 
two at the National Security Service. Moussa's father was one 
of the first nurses in Djibouti. He is known by personal 
friends as "Tatti." 
Comments: Moussa is very trusted by Guelleh. Many of his 
fellow Saad Moussa do not feel he does much for his tribe. 
Rumors report that Saad Moussas would prefer to have Ismail 
Guedi Hared, leader of the opposition coalition and someone 
people thought would become president, remain in the 
government. Moussa is competent in his job and does exactly 
what Guelleh wants. He is married to a physician from Benin, 
Dr. Christiane, and does not mingle much with Djiboutians. 
The couple does not have children. 
 
5. (C) Minister of Justice, Penitentiary Affairs, Muslim 
Affairs and Human Rights, Mohamed Barkat Abdillahi: Born 14 
December 1947 in Djibouti. Abdillahi is a Gadaboursi. Holds a 
certificate of capacity in Law. Served in the National Police 
from 1968-1970, the French Military from 1970-1977, and the 
Djiboutian Armed Forces from 1977-1980. Elected to the 
National Assembly in December 1992. Has served in several 
ministerial positions since, including Minister of Public 
Functions and Administrative Reforms from April - November 
1997, Minister of Youth from November 1997 - December 1998, 
Minister of Commerce from 1998 - 2000, Minister of Labor from 
2000 - 2005. He has been in private sector business ventures 
as well, including the ownership of Djibouti's sole Bowling 
Alley during his early years as Minister of Labor. Abdillahi 
is called Said Barkat by close friends. 
Comments: Very close to Guelleh. No real reason was reported 
for the move. His record was not very good in respecting 
workers rights and Djiboutians question whether he will be 
any better at respecting human rights. 
 
6. (C) Minister of Labor and Solidarity, Houmed Mohamed Dini: 
Born 1953 in Mabla, District of Obock in Djibouti. Dini is an 
Afar. Nephew of Ahmed Dini Ahmed, late head of the opposition 
coalition and president of the opposition party, Republican 
Alliance for Development (ARD). Holds a certificate of 
capacity to study law from the University of Sceaux, France. 
Completed two years of law school at Paris-Tolbiac. Served as 
Inspector of Indirect Contributions in 1982. 
Comments: The originally announced nominee for Minister of 
Labor was Mohamed Dini Farah - the mistake was called a 
misprint. Dini is seen as having more weight than Farah, 
since Dini's uncle is the late Ahmed Dini of the opposition. 
Dini has been a bookstore owner on/off for the past few 
years. He hasn't had any real job since his service as 
Inspector of Indirect Contributions in 1982. He also has done 
some import/export work. Dini is a very respected tribal 
leader. 
 
7. (C) Minister of Economy, Finances, and Planning, Charged 
with Privatization, Ali Farah Assoweh. Born 03 July, 1965 in 
Djibouti. Assoweh is an Issa, sub-clan Horone. Holds a 
Bachelor in Economics and a Master in Economic and Political 
Management. Head of the Studies and Evaluation Office in the 
Ministry of Education from 1992-1994. Head of Financial 
Services in the Ministry of Education from 1994-1999. 
Assistant Director of Budget Development in the Ministry of 
Finance from 2000-2001. Director of Budgetary Controls in the 
Ministry of Finance from 2001-2004. Secretary General of the 
Ministry of the Presidency from April 2004-May 2005. 
Comments: Viewed as a man of integrity and seems very 
competent in his job. He has the ear of Guelleh. Assoweh is 
not seen as a politician, however, and his nomination is 
believed to be based on his competence and Guelleh's trust of 
him. Assoweh was Guelleh's campaign finance manager for this 
election. He also has ties with the First Lady, and both his 
wife and the first lady are Issak. 
 
8. (C) Minister of Interior and Decentralization, Yacin Elmi 
Bouh: Born 4 June 1962 in Djibouti. Bouh is an Issa, sub-clan 
Mamassan. He speaks French, Somali and very little English. 
He studied in France. Started government career as Head of 
Service in the Ministry of Public Function and then served as 
Director of the National Retirement Funds. Served as Minister 
of Finance from 1998 - 2005. 
Comments: The position of Interior Minister has normally been 
held by a member of the Fourlaba clan. Losing this position 
is a severe blow to the Fourlaba when combined with the fact 
that their two seats in the cabinet are held by persons seen 
as weak and the positions as not particularly powerful. 
Mamassans reportedly wanted the Interior minister position so 
they could have more control over security matters. Some also 
say that Guelleh is grooming Bouh as the next President. 
However, Bouh does not enjoy broad popular respect. 
 
9. (C) Minister of Defense, Ougoureh Kifleh Ahmed: Born 18 
November 1955 in Dikhil District of Djibouti. Ahmed is an 
Afar. He completed schooling up to the 9th grade. Served in 
the Gendarmerie until 1977 when he joined the Democratic 
Front for the Liberation of Djibouti (FDLD). He returned to 
Djibouti under a presidential amnesty for all opposition 
members in October 1983. In November 1983 he was arrested for 
attacking state security and jailed for one year. In 1990 he 
organized a clandestine movement, Action for the Restoration 
of Order and Democracy (AROD). In 1992 he became the Chief of 
Staff for the Front for Restoration of Unity and Democracy 
(FRUD). Ahmed opened peace negotiations with the government 
in 1994 and signed the Peace and National Reconciliation 
Agreement. He was Minister of Agriculture from 1995 - 1997, 
Minister of Public Functions and Administrative reform from 
1997-1999 and Minister of Defense from 1999 to present. Ahmed 
was elected to the National Assembly in 1997. Ahmed 
reportedly skipped his own wedding in 1994 because of an Afar 
assassination plot on his life. He has largely been 
marginalized from power in the military and his position is 
mostly ceremonial. He suffered a heart attack in 1996. He 
speaks Afar, Somali and French. 
Comments: Ahmed has been kept in his position mainly as a 
symbolic gesture. Most of his upper echelon in the Ministry 
of Defense are Issa, Mamassan. They are believed to hold the 
real control in the Ministry. 
 
10. (C) Minister of Education and Higher Teaching, Abdi 
Ibrahim Absieh: Born in 1953 in Ali Sabieh District of 
Djibouti. Absieh is an Issa, sub-clan Wardiiq. Holds a degree 
as an Engineer of Public works. Served most of his career in 
the Ministry of Public Works, Urbanism and Housing. Held the 
positions of Director of the Building Laboratory, Director of 
Public Works, and Secretary General of the Ministry of Public 
Works. Has held the position of Minister of Education since 
1999. He is married with five children. 
Comments: Absieh is very close to Guelleh because both men 
grew up in Dire Dawa, Ethiopia. His Ministry is seen as one 
of the best-run in Djibouti; and it is believed he was 
retained in order to continue progress on the nation's key 
education reforms. 
 
11. (C) Minister of Health, Abdallah Abdillahi Miguil: Born 7 
April 1962 in Djibouti. Miguil is an Issa, sub-clan Ourweyn. 
Miguil completed his Baccalaureate and one year of University 
studying Economic Sciences. He is married with 6 children. He 
speaks French, Arabic, Somali and some English. He is the 
maternal cousin of President Guelleh. He spent most of his 
days as a civil servant in the National Office for Assistance 
to Refugees and Disaster Victims (ONARS), where he worked up 
the ranks to become Executive Secretary of ONARS. Embassy Bio 
files indicate that Miguil is known for having a lack of 
transparency and accountability, and for having amassed a 
great deal of real estate despite modest income, during his 
time at ONARS. He also was removed from his position by the 
Minister of Interior, Ahmed Boulaleh Barreh, in August 1992 
for expropriation of funds. No charges were ever filed. He 
received the position of Secretary General of the Ministry of 
Interior when the cabinet shuffled in late 1992. He was named 
Minister of Transport and Telecommunication in 1997. In April 
1999, he oversaw the election commission that presided over 
Guelleh's election. He served as Minister of Interior from 
May 1999 - 2001 and Minister of Habitat, Urbanism, Housing 
and Environment from 2001 - 2005. Over the years, he has 
attended many international seminars and internships to 
improve his management skills, including several in the 
United States. 
Comments: Miguil is very close to Guelleh. Rumors say he was 
moved to the Ministry of Health to "clean the place up" 
following the weak management record of his predecessor, Dr. 
Mohamed Ali Kamil. He is an Issa leader of a largely Afar 
Ministry. According to sources, in his first meeting with 
Ministry employees, he came across as intending to be quite 
strict. His integrity is said to be questionable. A clash is 
foreseen between Miguil and Aden Dileita, the Prime 
Minister's brother, who reportedly has a great deal of 
influence within the Ministry of Health. 
 
12. (C) Minister of Commerce and Industry, Rifki Abdoulkader 
Bamakrama: Born in 1954. Bamakrama is Arab of Yemeni descent. 
He did his Bac in Nancy, France and University in Lorraine, 
France. He received a degree in Social Sciences and Arab 
Arts. He also holds a diploma in Teaching. Bamakrama worked 
in France briefly before starting at the French Cultural 
Center in Djibouti in 1981. He has held the position of 
Assistant Director of the Palais du Peuple and Co-Director 
for Publication of Le Progres, the newsletter of the People's 
Rally for Progress (RPP). He played a large role as mediator 
in the 1994 peace accords. He served as Minister of Commerce 
in 1995 and was Minister of Communication until his move back 
to Commerce. 
Comments: Bamakrama's move back to Commerce is a bit of a 
downgrade. Although he is close to Guelleh, he might be 
replaced if there is a cabinet reshuffle in the near future. 
He is, however, the sole Minister of Arab origin in the 
current Cabinet and has not shown himself particularly 
predisposed to U.S. interests in his former position as 
Minister of Communication. That may change with this new 
responsibility. 
 
13. (C) Minister of Communication, Culture, Post and 
Telecommunications, Ali Abdi Farah. Born 16 February 1947 in 
Djibouti. He is an Issak. He speaks Somali, French and 
limited Arabic. He has a Baccalaureate from the French Lycee 
in Djibouti, a graduate certificate from the Ecole Normal 
teacher's training college in Djibouti, and a degree from the 
Institute of Public Administration in Lyon, France in 1977. 
He took advanced training in diplomacy during a special 
six-month course at the Quai d'Orsay (French Ministry of 
Foreign Affairs) in Paris in 1977. He is married with six 
children. From 1969-1972 he taught primary school. After his 
studies in France, he returned to Djibouti to teach public 
administration to Djiboutian civil servants in training. He 
was then named as a Diplomatic Advisor to the Cabinet of the 
President. Later in 1977, he was Head of Administration and 
Consular Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In 
September 1980, he was assigned to the Djiboutian Embassy in 
Tunis as Second Secretary. In 1995, President Hassan Gouled 
Aptidon named Farah the Minister of Energy and Natural 
Resources. He served in that position until 1999, when 
Guelleh named him Minister of Foreign Affairs. He was the 
Interim President of the Somali National Reconciliation 
Conference held in Arta, Djibouti in 2000. In 2003, he became 
the ruling party's (People's Rally for Progress - RPP) 
Secretary for External Relations in the Executive Council. 
 
SIPDIS 
Farah suffered a stroke in March 2005, which removed him from 
his job for two months, while he underwent therapy in France. 
He has reportedly made a full recovery. He was a heavy, 
regular user of khat and tobacco and is said to have also 
heavily consumed alcohol prior to his stroke. His work and 
achievements are highly valued by Guelleh, who considers him 
one of his closest collaborators, especially on Somalia 
issues. 
Comments: Because Farah is not very healthy, it is presumed 
that Guelleh gave him a slower-paced cabinet position as a 
gesture of thanks. If Farah decides it is time to retire, he 
is likely to be replaced in the next cabinet change. However, 
because he is liked and trusted by the President, Guelleh 
will only replace him if Farah wants to go. 
 
14. (C) Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, Mohamed Ali 
Mohamed: Born 29 April 1952 in Djibouti. He is an Issa, 
sub-clan Walaaldon. Government issued bios indicate only that 
he has done "university studies." He started his career as a 
civil servant in the Ministry of Commerce. He was elected to 
the National Assembly in 1982 and has served ever since. He 
held the position of Minister of Commerce from 1993-1997. He 
then served as Minister of Labor from 1997-2000. He has 
served as Minister of Energy since 2000. He is a member of 
the ruling party, People's Rally for Progress (RPP), and has 
been on its central committee and its political bureau. He 
reportedly was in private business as an importer/broker 
before he became a government official. According to post bio 
files, a high-level government official described Mohamed as 
"corrupt" (bio files written in 1995). He is reportedly a 
very heavy smoker and a casual dresser. 
Comments: Mohamed is very close to Guelleh, but he is getting 
close to retirement and some believe he may go in the next 
cabinet change. 
 
15. (C) Minister of Equipment and Transport, Ismail Ibrahim 
Houmed. Born 4 January 1948 in Djibouti. Houmed is an Afar 
from the Tadjourah District of Djibouti. He completed 
secondary school in Djibouti and attend nursing school in 
Paris. He received a diploma as a State Nurse in 1970 from 
the Public Assistance in Paris. He then enrolled in Medical 
school in Paris/Broussais, but stopped due to health 
concerns. He changed to Philosophy and received a diploma 
from the University of Nanterre, Paris. Houmed was a founding 
member of many political organizations and associations, 
including Union for Cultural Development (UDC) - an 
association of students for the primary and higher education 
of all populations during colonial segregation of schools, 
the Union of Students from the Afar-Somali Coast (UNECAS - 
1976 elected President of the association) - an association 
aimed at uniting all the ethnic populations of Djibouti, the 
Popular Movement for Liberation (MPL), the Democratic Front 
for the Liberation of Djibouti (FLDL). During the 1990's he 
represented the Front for Restoration of Unity and Democracy 
(FRUD) in Europe. He is married with one daughter, who is now 
a telecommunications engineer. He was named Minister of 
Justice in 2001 and served in that position until being moved 
to the position of Minister of Transport in 2005. 
Comments: Houmed is seen as a good orator and a good 
ambassador for Guelleh to the public. He was very active 
during Guelleh's 2005 Presidential campaign. 
16. (C) Minister of Agriculture, Livestock and the Sea, 
Abdoulkader Kamil Mohamed: Born in 1951 in Souali, Obock 
district of Djibouti. Holds a bachelor's degree in Sciences 
and Techniques from the Water Institute at the University of 
Limoges, specializing in the treatment and purification of 
water (1977-1979). Served as Director of the National Water 
Office (ONED) since its creation in 1983. Served as Interim 
Director of Water Management prior to the creation of ONED. 
Married to Guelleh's niece. 
Comments: Mohamed has worked many years at ONED. ONED is seen 
as disorganized and Mohamed took no active role during his 
tenure to improve the organization. He is seen as lacking in 
innovation and not up-to-date with modern technology 
necessary for efficient operations. He was very active in 
Guelleh's 2005 presidential campaign. 
 
17. (C) Minister of Habitat, Urbanism, and Environment, 
Charged with Relations with Parliament, Elmi Obsieh Waiss: 
Born in 1942 in Ali Sabieh, Djibouti. Waiss is an Issa, 
sub-clan Fourlaba. He completed secondary school. He served 
as Director of the Office of Posts and Telecommunications 
(OPT) after working through the ranks as a career 
professional in this office. He was a member of the Popular 
African League for Independence (LPAI), former president 
Hassan Gouled Aptidon's party. He was elected to the National 
Assembly in 1997, as well as named Minister of the Interior. 
He was moved to the position of Minister of Transport in 
2001. He owns the Alia Hotel in Djibouti City. One of his 
sons manages it for him. His other son, Mohamed Elmi Obsieh, 
is marketing manager at the Djibouti International Airport 
Comments: Waiss is one of the older members of the Djiboutian 
government. He may retire soon and be replaced in the next 
cabinet switch. He is not seen as a strong man. He reportedly 
has a history of diverting State funds for personal use. His 
Fourlaba clan is also reportedly not happy with him and there 
are rumors that he will be happy to leave government. 
 
18. (C) Minister of Youth, Sports, Leisure and Tourism, 
Hassan Farah Miguil: Born in 1954 in Djibouti. Miguil is an 
Issa, sub-clan Fourlaba. Member of the Popular African League 
for Independence (LPAI), former president Hassan Gouled 
Aptidon's party. Also a member of the ruling party, People's 
Rally for Progress (RPP). Elected to the National Assembly in 
1992. Named Minister of Justice in 1996. Worked in the 
Autonomous Port of Djibouti and the Free Zone in the 
mid-nineties. He was later named Mediator of the Republic 
under Guelleh. Post bio files note in 1996 that Miguil is 
volatile and unpredictable. 
Comments: Miguil is very trusted by Guelleh. Miguil, Guelleh 
and the late Yacin Yabeh, former General of the National 
Police Force (FNP), were all very close friends. Even though 
Guelleh jailed Yabeh several years ago, also a Fourlaba, 
Miguil chose to stay by Guelleh's side.  Fourlabas see Miguil 
as a servant of Guelleh. They prefer to be represented by 
former Minister of Interior, Abdoulkader Doualeh Waiss, who 
was removed from his position and named Mediator of the 
Republic. 
 
19. (C) Minister Delegated under the Ministry of Foreign 
Affairs, Charged with International Cooperation, Hawa Ahmed 
Youssouf: Born 9 November 1966 in Djibouti. Youssouf is an 
Issa, sub-clan Saad Moussa. She is married with three young 
children and has already begun to lament the toll her new 
high profile job is taking on the time she needs to dedicate 
to her family. She received a degree in Public Law, 
specializing in International Relations from the University 
of Reims in 1991. Youssouf started her career at the Banque 
Indosuez for a period of six months. Shortly after she moved 
to the Ministry of Finance as a technical counselor charged 
with the coordination of all projects financed by donor 
countries from 1991-1998. Youssouf was also a supplemental 
Governor for Djibouti for the World Bank the African 
Development Bank from 1992-1999. In September 1998, she was 
named Director of Promotion of Women and the Family attached 
to the Ministry of the Presidency. In 1999, she was promoted 
to Minister delegated to the promotion of Women's Affairs, 
the Well-Being of the Family and Social Affairs under the 
Prime Minister. In 2000, she held the position of President 
of Women-Ministers of the Intergovernmental Authority on 
Development (IGAD). Youssouf speaks French, English and some 
Arabic. She is well-traveled. 
Comments: Youssouf is not seen by Djiboutian women as very 
active on behalf of women's causes although she was formerly 
Minister of Women's Affairs. She is not outspoken and not one 
to make waves. Some feel that the nomination of two women 
ministers could be short-lived, depending upon how effective 
they ultimately are seen. If one of the women ministers is to 
be replaced, many suspect it would be Youssouf because she 
does not get along with the First Lady. 
 
20. (C) Minister Delegated under the Prime Minister, Charged 
with the Promotion of Women, Family Well-Being, and Social 
Affairs, Aicha Mohamed Robleh: Born 18 September 1965 in 
Tadjourah District of Djibouti. She is an Afar. Robleh is 
very active in the community and presides over several 
associations that work to benefit Djiboutian culture and 
sports. She uses her associations to try to raise the profile 
of women in Djibouti. She is not married. Robleh received her 
Baccalaureate in 1985 from the Lycee in Djibouti. She studied 
labor law by correspondence from 1985-1989, receiving a 
degree from the University of Cameroon. Received training as 
a law inspector in Cameroon from 1992-1993. She also received 
training in employment security within professional labor 
organizations in Senegal from 1993-1994. Held positions as 
Labor Inspector (1992-1995), Secretary at a Medical Clinic 
(1989-1991) and Deputy Marketing Head at a Supermarket 
(1983-1989). She worked with the UN Development Program 
(UNDP) from October 1997-January 2001 on a project to 
rehabilitate the Northern part of Djibouti after the civil 
war. She was elected to the National Assembly in 2002. She is 
a member of the Groupe d'Amitie Parliamentaire Djibouti-Etats 
Unis (Djibouti-U.S. Congressional Friendship Group). She has 
traveled to the U.S. as part of an International Visitor's 
Program on Women in the Political Process. She is also the 
author of several theatrical comedies including "Madame la 
Ministre." Robleh speaks Somali, Afar and French. She is a 
recent member of the Front for Restoration of Unity and 
Democracy (FRUD), joining after FRUD realigned itself with 
the government in the mid-nineties. 
Comments: Robleh is seen as very active and dynamic, good for 
the position, a hard worker and wants a lot of change. She is 
a good contact of the U.S. Embassy. 
 
21. (C) Minister Delegated under the Minister of Justice, 
Charged with Wafks, Cheikh El-Haji Mogueh Dirir Samatar: Born 
in 1937 in Ali Sabieh district of Djibouti. Samatar is an 
Issa Saad Moussa. He speaks Somali, Afar, Arabic, but only 
limited French. He is married with four children. He has held 
the position of Head of the Sharia and President of the 
Islamic Association of the Republic of Djibouti (beginning 
1980), Counsellor to the Minister of Justice and Islamic 
Affairs in 1977, Senior Secretary at the Cadi of Djibouti in 
1975. Samatar was a fellow of the Islamic Theology at the 
Al-Azhar in Egypt in 1966. He also did a short term grant 
study on Islamic Theology in Saudi Arabia. 
Comments: Samatar is seen as one that might go soon because 
he is past the age of retirement. Reportedly, Guelleh sees no 
real replacement for Samatar. The young and popular Cheik 
Abdourahman Bashir might have been a good candidate, but he 
is currently not believed to be in Guelleh's favor, perhaps 
because of the more conservative views on Islam held by 
Bashir. 
RAGSDALE