Djibouti, a small country in East Africa, holds a crucial geographical position. Despite its small size, its location is ideal for military bases. With 90% of its land being arid and uninhabitable, over 70% of Djibouti's population lives in urban areas. This unique location makes it highly significant for many countries.
Various nations are eager to establish military bases in Djibouti. France, Saudi Arabia, Japan, and the US already have a presence here. Interestingly, China also has a base in Djibouti, and countries like India and Russia are looking to join them. Djibouti offers a prime location for foreign militaries to project their power.
Djibouti's importance is rooted in history and trade. Any trade from Europe to Asia passes through the Suez Canal and the Bab el-Mandeb strait, right next to Djibouti. With Somali pirates posing a threat to shipping vessels in recent times, foreign militaries use Djibouti as a base to patrol and protect the massive trade flow from the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden.
All these countries have different geopolitical goals, creating an unusual situation where geopolitical rivals coexist in close quarters. In the recent few years, many powers have seized the opportunity to establish a presence in Djibouti.
Located between Africa and West Asia, Djibouti allows these nations to respond quickly to events in the region, enhancing its strategic importance.
