Djibouti Has Become One of the Territories With the Most Powerful Armies in the World, With Bases of the U.S., China, France, the United Kingdom, Japan, and Other Global Powers
Djibouti, a small country with about a million inhabitants, has become a global military center due to its strategic location. Situated near the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait and the Suez Canal, the country controls one of the busiest maritime routes in the world. Its geographical position has transformed it into a territory contested by several nations and their armies, resulting in the establishment of military bases from some of the largest global powers.
The Most Powerful Armies in the World Present in the Territory
Currently, Djibouti hosts bases from countries such as the United States, France, the United Kingdom, Italy, Japan, China, Germany, Spain, and Saudi Arabia. Additionally, Russia and India have shown interest in establishing military presence in the region. The U.S. has the only permanent military base in Africa, Camp Lemonnier, which has been used for counter-terrorism operations since 2002. China, on the other hand, inaugurated its first overseas military base in 2017, while Japan maintains its only military facility abroad there since World War II.
The Financial Impact of Foreign Bases
The foreign military presence in Djibouti generates significant income for the country. The U.S. pays about £49 million annually for its base, while France and Japan each contribute approximately £23 million. China invests about £15.5 million per year. Despite this, Djibouti still faces high poverty and inequality rates, with an estimated unemployment rate of 27.5% in 2024, according to forecasts from Trading Economics.
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Sovereignty at Risk and the Growing Influence of China
The increasing militarization of the country has raised concerns about its sovereignty. In 2015, the government acknowledged that it had granted excessive power to the U.S. and decided to cede part of its territory to China, which, in return, promised to increase financial investments through the Belt and Road Initiative. The Chinese presence, however, has heightened geopolitical tensions in the region, with the U.S. closely monitoring its military activities.


Com certeza a corrupção é soberana! Uma pena para esse povo!
E depois de tudo isso,o que será deste país?
Pena que o dinheiro arrecadado não traga benefícios a população local.