Djibouti: Officials likely to maintain heightened security in Djibouti city through mid-August following Aug. 1 ethnic clashes /update 2

Event

Officials will likely maintain a heightened security presence in Djibouti city through mid-August following clashes between members of the ethnic Somali and Afar communities in the city's Balbala and Arhiba neighborhoods, Aug. 1. At least three people were killed and at least 20 others injured during the violence. Businesses, houses, and other buildings were also reportedly destroyed. Unconfirmed reports suggest that security forces opened fire with live ammunition on demonstrators in the Arhiba neighborhood.

Should further violence occur, officials could suspend internet and/or mobile communications access to prevent groups from organizing. Security personnel may erect roadblocks and increase patrols in impacted locations. Any violence is also likely to result in further ground travel disruptions.

Context

The spate of violence in Djibouti appears to represent a spillover of tensions from neighboring Ethiopia, where clashes between ethnic Somalis and Afars are ongoing. On July 28, Ethiopian Somalis blocked important trade and supply routes connecting the Ethiopian capital with the Port of Djibouti. The purpose of the protest was to condemn Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and his government's perceived failure to respond to a reported July 23-24 attack against Somali ethnic groups in Gedamaytu (also known as Gabraiisa) by militias from the Afar region. According to local officials, the fighting displaced many of the town's residents and caused an unspecified number of casualties on both sides.

In Ethiopia, ethnic violence between the Afar and Somali regions has been a lingering issue for years. In 2014, the federal government redrew the border between the two jurisdictions transferring some towns from one region to the other, thereby creating further territorial disputes.

Advice

Exercise caution in or near areas recently impacted by violence. Avoid all large crowds and concentrations of security personnel. Heed the instructions of local security personnel. Confirm the availability of transport and allow additional time to reach destinations. Plan for increased security and localized transport disruptions in the coming days. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation.