The economic and political impact of Djibouti's strategic position

In a region plagued by multiple conflicts, the Republic of Djibouti has been characterized by political stability since its independence in 1978. This stability is an important asset that makes the country more attractive to other nations. Djibouti's strategic position is also an asset that we can exploit to our political and economic advantage. Situated at the crossroads of maritime trade routes linking Western Europe and Asia via the Suez Canal, the Middle East and Southern Africa via the Indian Ocean, Djibouti has seen its routes develop, but above all they have given access to maritime piracy fuelled by hotbeds of tension in Somalia and Yemen, countries at war and active centers of armed radical Islamism. This regional context has made Djibouti even more attractive to armies engaged in the fight against these scourges. This explains why several foreign military bases have been set up on Djibouti territory, a source of income for the country. Djibouti is thus at the heart of major global commercial, economic, political and security issues, making it an attractive destination despite its lack of natural resources.

Autorentext

A graduate in International Relations from the University of Lubumbashi, Théophile KILUBA MULEDI is a consultant, climate activist and human rights defender with several civil society organizations. He is currently President of the Etoile Wantanshi Human Rights Youth Club.