Djibouti Rejects Ethiopian Naval Ambitions, Cites Sovereignty Concerns
Djibouti has firmly dismissed Ethiopia’s recent request to establish a naval base on its territory, asserting its sovereignty and refusing to be drawn into regional power plays. In a bold statement, President Ismail Omar Guelleh compared the rejected proposal to a potential “Crimea of the Horn of Africa,” underscoring the risks of foreign military influence in his strategically located nation.
During a wide-ranging interview with Jeune Afrique, Guelleh clarified that while Ethiopia is welcome to use Djibouti’s ports for commercial purposes, any attempt to secure exclusive military rights or territorial concessions is unacceptable.
“We were open to a shared commercial partnership, not extraterritorial demands,” Guelleh said, adding that the proposal included a request for a naval facility and a transport corridor—terms Djibouti would not entertain.
Red Sea Port Access: Ethiopia’s Growing Priority
Ethiopia, landlocked since Eritrea’s independence in 1991, has increasingly prioritized gaining secure access to the Red Sea. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has hinted at pursuing this through “unconventional means,” a stance that has unsettled several of Ethiopia’s neighbors.
Turkiye has played a role in calming tensions, encouraging dialogue rather than confrontation between Somalia and Ethiopia.
Djibouti’s Strategic Leverage
Despite its small size, Djibouti holds immense geopolitical value. Situated at the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, the country oversees a critical maritime passage that connects the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden. This has made it host to military bases from several global powers—including the U.S., China, France, and Japan—further complicating any external military presence.
Guelleh, in power since 1999, emphasized his ongoing role as the protector of national integrity and did not rule out running for reelection in 2026.
Somaliland Deal Adds Fuel to Fire
Earlier this year, Ethiopia signed a controversial agreement with Somaliland, granting it access to the port of Berbera and a coastal strip in exchange for political recognition. The deal, backed by the UAE, sparked outrage from Somalia and drew criticism from Egypt and Turkiye. While Addis Ababa aimed to reduce its reliance on Djibouti’s ports, the fallout has increased regional friction.
Somalia called the deal a violation of its sovereignty, and Turkiye stepped in to mediate, securing an agreement between Mogadishu and Addis Ababa to limit tensions which could further escalate
Ethiopia’s Naval Aspirations Persist
Though landlocked, Ethiopia has invested heavily in developing a navy since 2019, reflecting its broader ambitions to become a regional power. Analysts believe the ruling Prosperity Party, under Abiy Ahmed, sees control over a port as essential for asserting influence in the Horn of Africa.
Some observers link these efforts to a political vision centered on Oromo dominance, especially as Abiy has moved away from alliances with other ethnic groups, including the Amhara and Eritrean factions. Internal unrest has grown amid accusations of centralization and ethnic favoritism.
Still, neighboring states remain united in rejecting any military concessions that would advance Ethiopia’s naval goals.