Djibouti: Ports, politics and piracy

Abstract

This chapter firstly explores the modern historical context of Djibouti's emergence as a strategic military and economic hub in the western Indian Ocean. Next, the maritime spaces of Djibouti are examined and the centrality of the Port of Djibouti and maritime sector as drivers of the national economy. This is followed by an examination of threats to Djibouti's maritime security in the form of Somali piracy and illicit trafficking, but also how geopolitical tensions, such as spill-over from the conflict in Yemen, might negatively impact on the country. The chapter then examines how Djibouti has responded to these threats and how it governs its maritime sector, exploring the role of maritime security services, private security providers and legislative reforms. Finally, this chapter explores the impact and approaches of multilateral and bilateral capacity building activities in Djibouti and how these have manifested given Djibouti's unique political and geostrategic position.