Djibouti Becomes a Theater of Geopolitical Competition

By John Lee

April 12, 2015

The tiny African state of Djibouti is increasingly touted as the unsung hero of America's ongoing war against terror and piracy. Despite a recent closure, brief but worrying, of the American embassy there, the country is considered a rare oasis of stability, and is superbly positioned in the Horn of Africa right next to Yemen. Camp Lemonnier has become secure ground for American special forces, fighter planes, helicopters - and critically, it serves as the major base for Washington's drone operations in Yemen and Somalia. This is why Washington recently renewed its lease for 10 years, with an option for another 10, even though the Djiboutian government more than doubled the rent.

The more than $70 million per year including economic aid that the United States sends to Djibouti is money well spent. America needs Djibouti, and their government knows it. The French, Germans, and Japanese have also handed over tens of millions for use of the prime strategic real estate. Now, however, China has got in on the act. And if money talks and shapes policy - as it tends to do in small and underdeveloped countries run by authoritarian governments - then it could be Beijing's voice and not Washington's which will be heard the loudest by Djiboutian President Ismail Guelleh.