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Democracy and Governance in Djibouti
Djibouti suffers from a deteriorating economy and a weak productive
sector. It is still suffering from the after-effects of its civil war (1990-1994), which caused large
displacements of populations and the destruction of schools and clinics. It is ranked 153 among 174
countries in the UNDP’s Human Development Index. Djibouti’s arid climate and rocky soil are inhospitable
to agriculture and large-scale livestock-raising, and, except for large salt deposits, it has no known natural
resources. The population of Djibouti is 75% urban and suffers from a 60% - 70% unemployment rate.
Over 60% of the primary school age population does not attend school. Djibouti exhibits high rates of
infant and under-five child mortality, estimated at 114 and 165 per 1,000 live births respectively. Maternal
mortality is estimated at 740 per 100,000 live births, one of the highest rates in the world. Approximately
31% of the under-five population suffers from malnutrition.
Djibouti’s strength and potential for development rests in its strategic location, which has proved to be
important for regional security and trade. Djibouti has become the major port for over $100 million in
emergency relief imports to Ethiopia and hosts U.S. forces fighting the Global War On Terrorism, the only
American military base on the African continent. Therefore the United States has a significant national
interest in Djibouti. This interest has been demonstrated by high-level meetings and visits between
American and Djiboutian officials in the past year, including a visit by President Guelleh to Washington to
meet with President Bush.
The present government of Djibouti has sought to use its strategic location for trade as the basis for new
and cohesive strategies to develop Djibouti into a modern and efficient commercial city-state. It has done
this through the promotion of trade liberalization, modern communication strategies, and strategies to
develop Djibouti’s human capital, specifically through the development of its education and health care
systems.
(Excerpted from the 2005 Congressional Budget Justification for Djibouti)
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