Grade 11 Chapter Four: State Actors in the Horn of Africa (Djibouti) PDF

Unit 4 State Actors in the Horn of Africa: Djibouti Unit Overview  Djibouti with:-  the area size of 23,200 km2 (almost 48 times smaller than Ethiopia),  it occupies the strategically important location in the whole region.  It is a colonial creation, an invention of the...

Unit 4 State Actors in the Horn of Africa: Djibouti Unit Overview  Djibouti with:-  the area size of 23,200 km2 (almost 48 times smaller than Ethiopia),  it occupies the strategically important location in the whole region.  It is a colonial creation, an invention of the scramble for Africa in the period between 1880s and 1910s, when European colonial powers partitioned the whole continent.  Cont.. Though tiny, Djibouti shares boundary with Ethiopia, Eritrea and Somaliland. It is located at important region:-  where the Red Sea and Indian Ocean are connected through Bab El Mandeb Strait.  It’s coastline serves as a commercial gateway between the Arabian Peninsula and the Horn region's interior especially Ethiopia.  Cont.. In addition to the above Ethiopia is highly dependent on the port of Djibouti in its:-  import-export trade. after the war between Eritrea and Ethiopia of 1998-2000, the Ethio-Djibouti relationships have been transformed to higher level of cooperation and interdependence. Also Ethiopia’s heavy dependence on Djibouti’s port for its:- o international business transactions has strengthened their relations with various ways including; port use, transport and communications, trade and investment, security issues, electric power and potable water.  Cont.. As a country that has strong economic, social and political ties for many years with Ethiopia have a general knowledge about:  the influence of Djibouti over the region in general and over Ethiopia in particular is very crucial.  establishment of foreign military bases in Djibouti has clear security implication for Ethiopia. For instance, Djibouti shares 390 kilometres (240 mi) with Ethiopia. Therefore, examining major economic and political conditions of Djibouti will have great value for Ethiopia and the Horn of Africa.  Cont.. 4.1. The Djibouti Armed Forces and its Influence in the region One of the small professional advanced armies in E.A Without doubt, the Djibouti Armed Forces are an important player in the coastal areas of the country especially at the Bab-el-Mandeb and Red Sea. With the total a number of about 20 thousand personnel, they consist of the Djiboutian National Army and its sub-branches the Djiboutian Air Force and Djiboutian Navy. Clashes with the Military of Eritrea, in 2008, demonstrated the superior nature of the Djiboutian forces’ training, skills and logistics.  Cont.. Currently:- o the largest budget allocated to defense force. o is one of the small professional advanced armies in East Africa. It has established partnerships through time with militaries in:-  France, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Morocco and the United State. Obligation of its defense force:- o Being responsible for securing Djibouti's territorial waters and seaboard as well as supporting army operations, o the Djibouti navy has a fleet of gun boats, fast missile boats and support, training, which can be deployed to defend the territorial waters and coastline of Djibouti as well as protect sea transporters passing through the Bab- el-Mandeb strait.  Cont.. The importance of Djibouti Armed Forces are better witnessed at its role of:-  protecting and maintaining the safety and security of the Sea Lanes of Communication (SLOC) which refers to maritime routes between ports, used for trade, logistics and naval forces. The Djibouti Navy together with other international powers in the region involves in naval operations to ensure that SLOCs are open, or in times of war, to close them.  Cont.. 4.2. The Importance of Geography, Natural Resources and Population of Djibouti in National Power The location of Djibouti in the Horn of Africa makes the country considerably influential in international relations. In fact, the country is endowed with limited mineral resources (salt, petroleum, perlite, gold, clay, marble, pumice, gypsum and diatomite). Its population size is also very small (only 1.1 million). Therefore, both population and mineral resources are not as such determining factors for the national power.  Cont.. As stated in the above lines, Djibouti is found at strategic location (between the Horn of Africa and Gulf region) where annually some 20 000 ships and 30 percent of world trade pass through. The country’s coastline generally serves as an international commercial gateway between the Arabian Peninsula and the Horn region's interior. The strategic significance of Djibouti stems from two significant developments especially after the turn of the 21st century.  Cont..  The first is the Ethiopia-Eritrea war that took place from 1998 to 2000 which eventually made Ethiopia dependent on the Djibouti port for its outlet to the sea. As a result, almost all Ethiopia’s trade passes through the port of Djibouti. This economic dependence dramatically shifted Djibouti’s strategic significance in the region.  The second is the rise and increasing influence of Al Shebab in Somalia and piracy off the coast of Somalia. The danger of piracy and threat of terrorism pose to international trade enhanced Djibouti’s strategic importance.  Cont.. Especially, what is commonly known as the Global War on Terrorism (GWOT) makes Djibouti in the region important hub of international military bases. Initiated by the United States following the September 11, 2001 attacks, the major targets of the war on terror were militant Islamist and Salafi jihadist armed organizations such as al- Qaeda, the Islamic State, and their international affiliates.  Cont.. One of the targets of war on terror is Al- Shebab which is formed in the mid-2000s as part of the Islamic Courts Union (ICU). Al- Shebab is a Sunni Islamist military and political organization based in Somalia and active elsewhere in East Africa. The group incorporates elements of Somali nationalism into its Islamist cause. Allegiant to the militant pan-Islamist organization al- Qaeda since 2010s, it came to prominence especially during the 2006–2009 Somalia Civil Wars.  Cont.. 4.3. Djibouti Economic Development, Industrial and Technology Capacity. Geographical location rewards Djibouti one way or another with fortunes. Djibouti Economy:-  its economy depends largely on:-  proximity to the large Ethiopian market, Read Sea and  a large foreign emigrant community in the country. For example, roughly 60% of all commercial ships in the world use its waters from the Red Sea through the Bab-el-Mandeb strait and into the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean.  Cont.. Most of its revenue is generated from:-  their Port,  the banking sector,  the airport, and  the operation of the Addis Ababa Djibouti railroad. Because of the expansion of maritime business, Djibouti has become a significant regional banking hub. The need for more maritime services accommodates Djibouti to new port development project and enhancement of the old one.  Cont.. With an effort to make its city a hub for:-  logistics,  manufacturing and  financial services  Djibouti has imagined to be the “Singapore of Africa” or the ‘Dubai of Africa’ like Eko Atlantic City in Nigeria.  Djibouti’s strengthening relationship with China is a central theme of economic development. Since 2010s, the country has hosted China’s first overseas military base and Chinese investment in large scale transport projects has been prominent.  Cont..  However, other economic sector such as agriculture and industry are little developed, in part due to:-  the harsh climate,  high production costs,  unskilled labor, and  limited natural resources. Definitely, strong economy with effective economic organization and planning is:-  the means for military power and  the basis for welfare, prosperity and development of its people. Djibouti has the potential to change its economic development to national power.  Cont.. 4.4. Government Organization, leadership and Diplomacy in Djibouti In many respects, Djibouti is a strong and stable state with an authoritarian government especially after the Afar insurgent movement ended that was launched by Front for Restoration of Unity and Democracy (FRUD) in the Afar-dominated northern regions of the country in 1990s. The imperative armed insurgency put the Djibouti government under pressure to adopt a new constitution in September 1992, paving the way for a multiparty system.  Cont.. The national assembly (the Legislative Branch of Government) is the prominent political force held by a coalition of political parties led by the dominant People's Rally for Progress (PRP). The state’s monopoly on the use of force is established nationwide. Currently, the state recollects its solid monopoly on the use of force and no regional armed separatist movements exist in the country. Instrumental to this stability is President Ismael Omar Guelleh’s strict control over the country’s political, economic and judiciary affairs, aided by his strong control on the police, military and other security forces.  Cont.. In his long period of presidency Ismaïl Omar Guelleh claimed that he advocates developmental state model. Hence, his authoritarian leadership style oriented towards “delivering national wealth through centralized planning and a singular focus on economic development at the expense of the exercise of human and democratic rights.” Though Djibouti remains an ethnically divided society, Guelleh enjoys significant support from the military and the Issa community.  Cont.. Djibouti’s geopolitical position in the Horn of Africa has significantly increased its international influence.  For instance, Ethiopia with a population of more than 120 million people relied on Djibouti for its import-export trade and security. In addition, Djibouti hosts several foreign military bases or facilities from countries such as France, the US, China, Japan, Saudi Arabia and Italy.  Cont.. These countries have different interests in the region such as:- counter terrorism, counter piracy peacekeeping and securing their access to energy and markets. Obviously, Djibouti benefits from the presence of these foreign forces, such as:-  they provide security,  stability, and  economic opportunities for the country. This is the credit side of the diplomatic balance sheet.  Cont.. However, it has also a debit side.  Djibouti also faces some challenges and risks as a result of its geopolitical importance.  there is a problem of safeguarding its own sovereignty in its highly militarized territory.  It has to balance its relations with various external partners who may have competing or conflicting agendas in the country and the region as well.  It also has to deal with potential threats from neighboring countries such as Eritrea and Somalia, who have disputes or conflicts with Djibouti over territorial or maritime issues.  Cont.. Therefore, Djibouti is a key player in the geopolitics of the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea region. a significant role in maintaining regional stability and security and facilitating global trade and cooperation.  Cont.. 4.5. The National Character, Morale and Ideology of the Djibouti The national character of Djibouti people is influenced by:-  their history,  ethnic, religious and  cultural diversity. Djibouti is home to two main ethnic groups, the Somali and the Afar:-  who speak different Cushitic languages and  have distinct traditions and customs.  they are mostly pastoralists.  Cont.. Both ethnic groups share a common faith: Islam, but practice different forms of Sufism with a growing revivalist tendency among the new generation. Djibouti also has cosmopolitan atmosphere due to a small minority of Arabs, Ethiopians, Europeans (especially French) and other immigrants. They have a strong sense of national identity and pride. The ideology of Djibouti government is not easy to define, as it is influenced by various factors such as:-  the country’s history,  culture, religion,  geopolitics and economic interests.  Cont.. The government is committed to maintaining a secular state that respects Islam as the state religion and guarantees freedom of worship for other faiths. The government also promotes a national identity that transcends ethnic divisions between the Somali and Afar communities, who make up about 60% and 35% of the population respectively. Assume once up on a time during Ethio-Somalia war the conflict reach on hurting stage, as the result of both state get supporter from western state, then during this stage Somalia devastated Jijjiga town the current capital city of Somli regional state of Ethiopia in September 1977. In turn the Ethiopia power controls Moqadishue the capital city of Somalia. However, by the influence of different external power the conflict was became de-escalated after reached the boom stage of conflict. Based up on the above argument answer the following questions from 1-5 Based up on the above argument 1. who was the actor of the international relation? A. Somalia B. Somali C. different external power D. UN 2. Based up on the above what is the main objective of the actor in that conflict? A. One to take political power over other B. One interested to make strong relationship to other C. One interested to maximization their power in expense of other D. unknown objective 3. According to the above argument when the event took place in that interaction? A. During cold world war B. Once up on a time C. In September 1977 D. In Jijjiga town 4. According to the above argument what is the mechanism of interaction between Ethiopia and Somalia? A. Diplomacy B. Real conflict C. Propaganda conflict D. Ideal conflict 5. Based up on the above question why Ethiopia intern counter attack Somalia and captured Moqadishue? A. In ordered to revenge B. in order to strengthening their relation with Somalia C. in order to positively interact with Somalia D. In order to establish pan-Ethiopia  Cont.. 4.6. Unit Summary The location of Djibouti in the Horn of Africa makes the country considerably influential in international relations. The strategic significance of Djibouti stems from two significant developments especially after the turn of the 21st century. The first is the Ethiopia-Eritrea war that took place from 1998 to 2000 which eventually made Ethiopia dependent on the Djibouti port for its outlet to the sea. The second is the rise and increasing influence of Al Shebab in Somalia and piracy off the coast of Somalia.  Cont.. The danger of piracy and threat of terrorism pose to international trade enhanced Djibouti’s strategic importance. Especially, what is commonly known as the Global War on Terrorism (GWOT) makes Djibouti in the region important hub of international military bases. Geographical location rewards Djibouti one way or another with fortunes. Its economy depends largely on its proximity to the large Ethiopian market and a large foreign expatriate community in the country.  Cont.. With an effort to make its city a hub for logistics, manufacturing and financial services, Djibouti has dreamt to be the “Singapore of Africa” or the ‘Dubai of Africa’ like Eko Atlantic City in Nigeria. In many respects, Djibouti is a strong and stable state with an authoritarian government. the state retains its solid monopoly on the use of force and no regional armed separatist movements exist in the country.  Cont.. Instrumental to this stability is President Ismael Omar Guelleh’s strict control over the country’s political, economic and judiciary affairs, aided by his strong grip on the police, military and other security forces. Djibouti also faces some challenges and risks as a result of its geopolitical importance. It has to balance its relations with various external partners who may have competing or conflicting agendas in the country and the region as well.  Cont.. Group Work 10% 1. List different actors of IRs & explain each of them 2. Explain the current status of Ethiopia in the region & the decisive factors to determine national power 3. Describe Fragile States and Failed States regarding to the case of Somalia & Sudan 4. What are the factors for the demising national power of Sudan & Somalia 5. Explain the source of Kenyan national power Cont.. Cont.. Cont.. Cont.. Cont.. Cont.. Cont.. Cont.. Cont.. Cont..