Women who led

Kadra Mahamoud Haid (Khadra Maxamuud Xayd)

Kadra Mahamoud Haid is a Djiboutian politician and political adviser, and First Lady of Djibouti since 1999 as the wife of President Ismaïl Omar Guelleh. In 2003 she spoke publicly against female genital mutilation. Reports cited on Wikipedia describe her as one of the most influential figures in Djiboutian politics.

Last checked 2026-11-12 1 source Reading time: 1 min

Kadra Mahamoud HaidKhadra Maxamuud Xayd · Kadra Haid

Known as one of
Women who led
Era
The Republic, 1960 to 1991; Rebuilding without a state, 1991 to 2012; Who holds power, 2012 to now
Sources
1 sources

Who is she?

Kadra Mahamoud Haid is a Djiboutian politician and political adviser, and First Lady of Djibouti since 1999 (Wikipedia, Kadra Mahamoud Haid). She is married to President Ismaïl Omar Guelleh (same source).

Against FGM

In 2003 she spoke against female genital mutilation, saying an estimated two million girls a year were still cut and describing the medical and psychological harm (Wikipedia). Djibouti banned FGM by law in 1995, but Wikipedia cites an estimate that 98% of women in Djibouti have undergone it (same source).

Influence

Wikipedia reports that the businessman Abdourahman Boreh was expelled from Djibouti after an investment dispute with her (Wikipedia). A 2014 report quoted there said Guelleh shares power "only with his influential wife", and Africa Intelligence has said she "acts as a sort of vice president" (same source).

Family

With Guelleh she has two daughters and a son; she also has a son, Naguib Abdallah Kamil, and a daughter from her first marriage (Wikipedia).

In short

Djibouti's First Lady since 1999, a public voice against FGM and a central figure in its politics.

Sources

  1. Wikipedia, Kadra Mahamoud Haid · en.wikipedia.org

Kadra Mahamoud HaidKhadra Maxamuud Xayd · Kadra Haid

Known as one of
Women who led
Era
The Republic, 1960 to 1991; Rebuilding without a state, 1991 to 2012; Who holds power, 2012 to now
Sources
1 sources

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