Djibouti Country Report

Djibouti has enjoyed relative political stability compared to other countries in the region since independence in 1977.

The government has been led by President Ismail Omar Guelleh since 1999 but most elections have been boycotted by the opposition citing fraud and electoral irregularities. Political participation remains limited due to the ruling People's Rally for Progress Party (RPP) repressive tactics and low tolerance for political dissent, which has included crackdowns on the opposition, exorbitant candidate registration fees for elections and intimidation of the media.

The opposition is fragmented and generally remains unable to challenge Guelleh. Reports continue to emerge of the arbitrary arrest and detention of opposition members and supporters, as well as journalists.

President Guelleh secured a fifth term in the April 9, 2021, presidential election gathering more than 97% of the total votes. This is the highest vote share Guelleh has secured since coming to power in 1999. The huge margin of victory has mostly been attributed to the opposition boycott citing a lack of transparency in the electoral process.

Djibouti faces a range of security challenges from petty thefts in its main urban centers to rebel activity in remote areas of terrorism.

The northern border with Eritrea remains disputed following an incursion by Eritrean forces in 2008 and associated border clashes. Travel to areas along the border, particularly Ras Doumera, is restricted and there remains a threat of limited conflict and further border clashes.

Djibouti has also experienced occasional incidents involving ethnic-based rebel groups in some remote areas, including attacks on security forces.

Crime, particularly street crime and petty theft, is also a concern in many areas, including the capital, but levels of violent criminal activity remain low by regional standards.

The country also faces a threat from terrorism due to both its proximity to Yemen and Somalia, and the presence of western military forces engaged in regional anti-terrorism and peacekeeping operations. Djibouti City has not seen a significant terrorist attack since 2014, but the Somalia-based al-Shabaab group continues to issue threats against the country periodically.

The main trigger for civil unrest remains socio-economic issues, although perceived political oppression and refugee issues are growing concerns. Most demonstrations are peaceful but security forces occasionally use force to disperse opposition rallies.

Air travel to Djibouti is generally considered safe but domestic flight services are limited and there are security concerns over flights originating from Somalia.

The country's road network is under-developed outside of major urban centers, with many rural roads being poorly maintained. Road travel risks are generally exacerbated by the poor driving standards of some local road users, particularly at night.

The Port of Djibouti is one of the most efficient ports in the world.

Djibouti's electricity and telecommunications infrastructure is generally better developed than in some other countries in the region, particularly in the capital. However, the electrification rate is significantly lower outside of urban centers and internet connections are typically expensive.

Cybercrime is not a serious concern.

Djibouti has an arid climate with a hot dry season and slightly cooler, but still warm, season November-April when most rainfall occurs. However, the country generally experiences only around 15 cm (6 inches) of rainfall annually. Temperatures during the dry season May-October regularly top 50 C (122 F) and can be uncomfortable for travelers not used to the hot and dry conditions. Extended periods of below-average rainfall have led to a prolonged drought in the country which can affect water availability and food security in some areas.

Landmine and unexploded ordnance contamination in some areas along the borders with Eritrea and Somalia, particularly the Obock, Tadjoura, and Ali Sabeih districts, continues to pose a threat to travelers. However, apart from areas along the border with Eritrea, most landmine contaminated sites have been identified and marked and demining efforts are continuing.

Djibouti is also in a seismically active region and experiences semi-regular earthquakes, typically of moderate intensity. However, higher magnitude earthquakes have occurred in the past. The country also has an active volcano, Ardoukoba, which last erupted in 1978.

Although relatively uncommon, Djibouti has previously been affected by tropical cyclones during the Indian Ocean cyclone season November-May. Bouts of intense rainfall have also caused occasional flash flooding in the country, particularly if preceded by periods of drought.

Medical facilities are limited even in the capital and practically non-existent outside of major urban centers, with emergency medical care generally limited to stabilizing patients prior to evacuation. Most serious injuries medical cases require air evacuation to a country with more advanced medical infrastructure. Where medical care is available, most doctors and hospitals will require payment in cash. The availability of pharmaceuticals is also limited. Some prescription drugs may not be available while those that are tend to be expensive.

There is a high risk of malaria in Djibouti with some strains being resistant to chloroquine, although the risk of exposure is lower in Djibouti City. Several other insect-borne diseases are also present in the country and cholera outbreaks have periodically been reported.

Tap water is not considered safe to drink unless boiled or chemically treated.

Djibouti has enjoyed relative political stability compared to other countries in the region since independence in 1977.

The government has been led by President Ismail Omar Guelleh since 1999 but most elections have been boycotted by the opposition citing fraud and electoral irregularities. Political participation remains limited due to the ruling People's Rally for Progress Party (RPP) repressive tactics and low tolerance for political dissent, which has included crackdowns on the opposition, exorbitant candidate registration fees for elections and intimidation of the media.

The opposition is fragmented and generally remains unable to challenge Guelleh. Reports continue to emerge of the arbitrary arrest and detention of opposition members and supporters, as well as journalists.

President Guelleh secured a fifth term in the April 9, 2021, presidential election gathering more than 97% of the total votes. This is the highest vote share Guelleh has secured since coming to power in 1999. The huge margin of victory has mostly been attributed to the opposition boycott citing a lack of transparency in the electoral process. The only candidate facing Guelleh was the businessman Zakaria Ismail Farah, who had little political experience and lacked a strong electoral support base. Guelleh could also count on the support of its international partners wishing to ensure political stability in this geostrategic country.

The next presidential election is scheduled for 2026; according to the Constitution, Guelleh will not be allowed to run given the age limit fixed at 75-year-old. This limit was introduced following the 2010 Constitutional revision, which removed the previous two-term limit. This reform allowed Guelleh to run for a third term the following year, promising it would be his last. Guelleh could again amend the Constitution to remove the age limit allowing him to cling on power beyond 75. The next legislative election is scheduled for February 2023.

The last major threat to political stability was the 1991-1994 civil war, waged by the Afar Front for the Restoration of Unity and Democracy (FRUD) rebel group against the government over Afar exclusion from political representation. Although the FRUD has not been at war with the government since the end of the conflict, the Afar-inhabited regions of north Djibouti still see some isolated incidents linked to rebel activity.