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Djibouti has become one of the territories with the most powerful armies in the world, with bases from the US, China, France, the UK, Japan and other global powers.
Djibouti, a small country with a population of about one million, has become a global military hub due to its strategic location. Situated close to the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait and the Suez Canal, the country controls one of the world's busiest shipping routes. Its geographical position has made it a territory disputed by several nations and their armies, resulting in the establishment of military bases by some of the world's greatest powers.
The most powerful armies in the world present in the territory
Djibouti currently hosts bases for countries like the United States, France, the United Kingdom, Italy, Japan, China, Germany, Spain and Saudi Arabia. In addition, Russia and India have expressed interest in establishing a military presence in the region. The United States has the only permanent military base in Africa, Camp Lemonnier, which has been used for counter-terrorism operations since 2002. China, for its part, opened its first overseas military base in 2017, while Japan maintains its only overseas military installation there since World War II.
The financial impact of foreign bases
The foreign military presence in Djibouti generates significant revenue for the country. The US pays around £49 million annually for its base, while France and Japan contribute approximately £23 million each. China invests around £15,5 million a year. Despite this, Djibouti still faces high levels of poverty and inequality, with unemployment expected to reach 27,5% by 2024, according to forecasts by Trading Economics.
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Sovereignty at risk and China's growing influence
The increasing militarization of country raised concerns about its sovereignty. In 2015, the government acknowledged that it had granted excessive power to the United States 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, increased geopolitical tensions in the region, with the United States closely monitoring its military activities.
