The tiny Republic of Djibouti, which is nearly the size of the state of Massachusetts, is emerging from the latest round of Horn of Africa travesties with a positive political and economic outlook on the future (CIA- The World Factbook 1). In a region known for civil strife, famine, ethnic cleansing, the HIV/AIDS epidemic, and dramatic international interventions, Djibouti strives along with her larger sisters Ethiopia, Eritrea and Somalia to find stability in the emerging world order of the 21st century (Mbendi 1).
The task at hand is a daunting one. An overview of basic statistics and data regarding the economic and political environment of Djibouti is essential if the challenges that face this republic are to be understood. Equally important, a synopsis of important events in DjiboutiÆs recent history will be necessary as the key political and ethnic disputes that have plagued this country are discussed. Ultimately, the small nation of Djibouti, blessed with a strategic location on the Horn of Africa, will need to press every advantage as it fights to subdue the many threats to peace, tranquility and wellbeing that have cropped up in recent years.
The French Territory of the Afars and Issas, so named for the predominant two ethnic groups comprising the region, became the Republic of Djibouti in 1977. Located in Eastern Africa adjacent to Somalia to the Southeast, Ethiopia to the West and Southwest, and Eritrea to the North, Djibouti also enjoys 314 km of coastline. The Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea border the Eastern side of Djibouti, making it a strategic nation for international trade. The capital city of Djibouti is positioned on the Gulf of Aden very near DjiboutiÆs Southern border with Somalia (CIA 1-3).
DjiboutiÆs population of 460,700 (CIA 2) is comprised mainly of the Issa (50%), who are of Somali origin, and the nomadic Afars (40%), who are of Ethiopian origin; both groups are Muslims, and speak Cus...