Djibouti’s Strategic Position in the Horn of Africa

Chatham House – 11 July 2012

10.00 – 11.00 BST

HE Ilyas Moussa Dawaleh will detail Djibouti’s plans for maintaining economic growth and increasing development, and will discuss his country’s engagements with neighbours in the region.

Djibouti plays a vital strategic role in the Horn of Africa. Its location at the entrance to the Red Sea – and its status as a free trade area – mean that the Port of Djibouti provides an economic lifeline for countries in the region seeking to re-export goods to the Middle East and Europe. As host to the only American military base in Africa, in addition to being a stopping point for dozens of navies engaged in counter-piracy activities in the Indian Ocean, Djibouti also plays a crucial part in regional security dynamics.

For more information click here.