Djibouti’s Hidden Reality: Between Regional Crises and Internal Challenges
The Horn of Africa is in turmoil, caught between civil wars in Ethiopia and Sudan, the ongoing al-Shabaab insurgency in Somalia, and rising tensions between Somalia and Ethiopia over a controversial port deal with Somaliland. Against this volatile backdrop, Djibouti recently hosted two major forums: the Heritage Institute for Policy Studies’ annual dialogue on regional stability and the East Africa Security Forum (EASF).
These forums aimed to address critical regional issues, but they have strangely omitted Djibouti’s own internal crises, such as widespread famine, poverty, and democratic failures. This silence raises concerns about how international and regional actors prioritize their agendas when organizing discussions in a nation facing significant domestic challenges.
Regional Turbulence and Local Difficulties
The Horn of Africa faces a complex web of conflict. Civil wars in Ethiopia and Sudan have left thousands dead and millions displaced. Somalia’s fight against al-Shabaab continues to threaten regional stability, while tensions between Somalia and Ethiopia over the Somaliland port deal add a new layer of discord.
Djibouti, often seen as a stable island amidst this chaos, plays a strategic role. Its position at the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait makes it a hub for international military bases hosting troops from the United States, China, France, Japan, and Italy. The country is also at the heart of regional diplomatic efforts. However, beneath this façade of stability lies a multitude of internal crises that are often overlooked at these high-level gatherings.
Hunger and Poverty
Djibouti faces severe food insecurity, exacerbated by prolonged droughts, economic vulnerability, and dependence on food imports (90% of its supply). Between April and June 2024, nearly 221,000 people – or 19% of the population – were facing acute hunger, according to the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC). In the 2024 global hunger rankings, Djibouti ranked 92nd out of 127 countries, with a “serious hunger” score of 21.2.
With 42% of the population living in extreme poverty and an alarming overall poverty rate of 79%, unemployment remains a key driver of humanitarian needs. Djibouti’s hot and arid climate limits agricultural production, leaving the country heavily dependent on fluctuations in international food prices.
Maritime Challenges
Djibouti’s maritime territory is increasingly affected by illegal fishing, mainly by fleets from Yemen and China. These unregulated activities deplete fish stocks, disrupt local livelihoods, and damage the marine ecosystem. Worse, they facilitate organized crime networks that use fishing vessels to smuggle goods, weapons, and people.
The government’s failure to effectively police its maritime borders compounds the problem. International naval operations, such as those led by the European Union, focus primarily on combating piracy rather than illegal fishing, leaving this critical issue largely unaddressed.
Political Repression and Governance Deficits
Domestically, Djibouti has been criticized for its authoritarian governance under President Ismail Omar Guelleh, in power since 1999. His government has been accused of corruption, stifling dissent, and consolidating power. Allegations also link his administration to questionable ties to Somalia’s Salaam Bank, which has allegedly been linked to funding al-Shabaab.
This political environment is fueling widespread discontent and raising questions about the government’s ability to manage internal security. Djibouti’s lack of democratic freedoms and transparency has also hampered economic development, discouraging foreign investment and deepening inequality.
Human Trafficking
Djibouti is a critical transit hub for migrants fleeing poverty and conflict in Ethiopia and Somalia, seeking better opportunities in the Gulf countries. However, many fall victim to human trafficking networks that exploit weaknesses in the country’s border controls and law enforcement. Migrants face inhumane conditions, including forced labor and sexual exploitation, both en route and at their destinations.
These trafficking networks use Djibouti as a gateway to Yemen, often transporting migrants in overcrowded and dangerous boats across the dreaded Gulf of Aden. Many do not survive the journey. Despite efforts by international organizations to combat human trafficking, the problem persists, fueled by limited resources and weak governance.
Forums: Regional Focus, Local Silence
From November 25-27, the Heritage Institute forum brought together academics, politicians, and traditional leaders to discuss regional instability, including the Ethiopian and Sudanese civil wars, Somalia’s political challenges, and the threat of al-Shabaab. Similarly, the East Africa Security Forum, held from November 21-23 at Camp Lemonnier, focused on managing inter- and intra-state conflicts, as well as private sector investment for stability.
While these forums have addressed critical regional issues, the silence surrounding Djibouti’s internal challenges raises questions about the priorities of international and regional stakeholders. By focusing on neighboring crises, these discussions obscure Djibouti’s deep local struggles, creating a disparity that deserves deeper reflection.
It is therefore imperative not to forget the many complexities and challenges that Djibouti faces internally, even during major regional and international discussions. Recognizing and actively addressing these issues could contribute to a more holistic and equitable view of the situation in the Horn of Africa, thereby fostering more effective and sustainable action for the well-being of all citizens in the region.