While this tiny port state may not be ranked highly on one’s list when it comes to naming African countries, it actually occupies an area of incredible geopolitical and commercial importance. In fact, between eight and 11 of the world’s most powerful militaries have set up bases within its borders, according to different analyses.
The tiny country of Djibouti lies in the Horn of Africa and covers about 8,960 square miles, with the Red Sea being its eastern border. Home to around a million people, it lies very close to the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait – controlling approaches to the Suez Canal – the oil-rich Arabian Peninsula and the strategic shipping route of the Gulf of Aden. What’s more, the volatile environments in Yemen and Somalia have increased Djibouti’s significance.
Today, Djibouti hosts military bases belonging to Germany, Spain, Italy, France, the US, the UK, Saudi Arabia and a Chinese support base. It also hosts the only overseas Japanese military base. Russia and India have also shared strong interests in setting up military bases there.
The hosting of foreign military bases is an important part of Djibouti’s economy. The US pays £49 million a year, according to the New York Times, while France and Japan each pay about £23 million a year respectively, and China about £15.5 million.
Despite raking in these impressive sums, Djibouti still battles with significant inequality issues. In 2024, Djibouti’s poverty rate is expected to be 14.7% at the international poverty line, based on the World Bank’s forecast. Based on projections by Trading Economics, the country is expected to have ended last year on an unemployment rate of 27.5% – over 23% higher than the UK.
Unrestrained foreign military operations endanger civilian lives and, to a certain degree, the possession of land impedes economic progress in Djibouti, the Universidad de Navarra has argued.
France ruled the country until June 1977, when the French Somaliland became independent. In 1957, “Camp de l’Unité”, commonly known as the naval base of Héron, was established as one of France’s largest military bases abroad.
Alongside contributing to modernising the Djibouti-Ambouli International Airport, Japan invested millions in its Self-Defense Force Base. Erected in 2011, this facility is Japan’s first full-scale, long-term overseas base since World War Two.
In 2002, Djibouti became home to the only permanent US military base in Africa, Camp Lemonnier. Just three months after 9/11, the US facility was established in the area due to the recognition of its strategic position and the presence of Al Qaeda in Yemen and the Horn of Africa. It served as a crucial starting point for President Bush’s “War on Terror”.
The UK military also has a small presence at Camp Lemonnier, where they participate in drone operations.
In 2013 Italy established its National Support Military Base which hosts 300 active personnel and serves anti-piracy purposes. Germany (temporarily) and Spain (permanently) have also stationed their military troops in the French base of Héron to protect their merchant ships from terrorist threats.
In 2015, Djibouti recognised that its national sovereignty was at risk due to the excessive power it had conceded to the US. As a result, Djibouti city ceded part of its territory to China, who pledged to increase financial investments in the country through its Belt and Road Initiative.
Even Russia has expressed interest in constructing naval bases in Djibouti. However, it has been unsuccessful in its efforts and those talks have stalled.