Djibouti Council of Ministers Approves Draft Law

The Council of Ministers in Djibouti, presided over by President ISMAÏL OMAR GUELLEH, convened its 10th session on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, where it examined and approved legislative texts, including a draft law from the Ministry of Muslim Affairs and Waqf Properties.

This event signifies a crucial stage in Djibouti's legislative process, where proposed laws move from ministerial drafting to executive approval before potentially being presented to the National Assembly for enactment. For practitioners, the approval of a draft law by the Council of Ministers signals an impending change or introduction of new legal frameworks, particularly in the area of Muslim Affairs and Waqf Properties, which often involves specific regulations concerning religious endowments, property management, and family law. Businesses and individuals operating in or interacting with these sectors should anticipate new legal obligations or opportunities arising from such legislation.

Djibouti operates under a civil law system, where the legislative process typically involves the executive branch (Council of Ministers) initiating and approving draft laws before they are submitted to the National Assembly for debate, amendment, and final adoption. The President, as Head of State and Government, plays a central role in this process. The mention of "Waqf Properties" points to specific Islamic legal principles integrated into the national legal framework, often governed by dedicated statutes and administrative bodies. The Council of Ministers acts as a key deliberative and decision-making body within the executive, ensuring that proposed legislation aligns with government policy and constitutional principles.

The primary parties involved are the President of the Republic, ISMAÏL OMAR GUELLEH, who presided over the session, and the Council of Ministers as a collective body. The Ministry of Muslim Affairs and Waqf Properties is also a key party, as it originated the specific draft law mentioned. The National Assembly would be the subsequent key party in the legislative process, though not explicitly mentioned as involved in this specific Council of Ministers session.

Attorneys and legal professionals in Djibouti should closely monitor the official gazette and parliamentary proceedings for the formal publication and enactment of the "Projet de Loi" concerning Muslim Affairs and Waqf Properties. Understanding the specifics of this new legislation will be critical for advising clients on compliance, property rights, inheritance, and charitable endowments. Proactive engagement with the text once it becomes public will be essential to prepare for its implementation and to identify any potential impacts on existing legal arrangements or business operations.