Djibouti: Potential for anti-government demonstrations during appeal hearing for detained pilot July 23

Event

A court of appeal hearing for the detained Djiboutian Air Force pilot Fouad Youssouf Ali is scheduled to be held in Djibouti City on Thursday, July 23, with demonstrations in support of the accused likely to be held in the capital. Youssouf Ali resumed his high-profile hunger strike last week ahead of the hearing, with his lawyers claiming that his prolonged detention since June 12 has had a serious impact on his physical and mental health. However, the pilot has repeatedly refused treatment after being hospitalized.

Further demonstrations in support of Youssouf Ali are likely in the near term, with an associated risk of localized disruption and police operations around protest sites.

Context

Fouad Youssouf Ali has been imprisoned in Djibouti since being extradited from Ethiopia in April. The former Djiboutian Air Force pilot is facing charges of treason and other offences related to the alleged attempted theft of a military aircraft and desertion to Eritrea. However, his supporters claim that Youssouf Ali is being persecuted after accusing senior military figures of corruption and has been mistreated during his time in prison. Numerous protests calling against the legal proceedings have been held in Djibouti City and Ali Sabieh since June, with several of these demonstrations being aggressively dispersed by security forces.

Advice

Those in Djibouti are advised to monitor developments, avoid demonstrations, anticipate a heightened security presence near protest sites, and adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities.