«Our role is crucial in preserving this essential shipping lane and contributing, to the best of our ability, to the stabilisation of the region. Djibouti aspires to be a player for peace and a facilitator of dialogue in these difficult circumstances.
Prime Minister, France and Djibouti are about to renew their Defence Cooperation Treaty. What are the main contributions? Does France remain a privileged partner? This seems all the more important given that the French military presence in Africa has been significantly reduced in the Sahel region….
*AKM* : The renewal of this treaty will mark the continuation of a historic and strategic relationship between Djibouti and France, which must form part of a win-win relationship for all parties. The main benefits lie in the strengthening of our national security, the development of our defence capabilities and increased collaboration in terms of training and technical exchanges. France remains a privileged partner, particularly in a context where regional stability is essential. Their presence, despite the partial withdrawal from the Sahel, remains a pillar of our security strategy.
You host a French base, an American base and a Chinese base all at once. Other states are also present. Is this, in a way, the Djiboutian exception?
*AKM* : This is indeed a unique feature of Djibouti. We host bases from several nations, including French, American and Chinese. This situation bears witness to our strategic position and our desire to be a place of international cooperation. This contributes to our national and regional security while encouraging dialogue between different world powers.
Your country occupies a strategic position. Bab el-Mandeb is one of the busiest maritime corridors in the world and controls access to the Red Sea. While maritime trade is experiencing severe turbulence in the Red Sea since the tragic events shaking the Middle East, how do you analyse the situation? What role does your country intend to play?
*AKM* : The situation in the Red Sea is directly influenced by regional tensions, notably events in Palestine. Israeli violence and colonisation in Palestine have considerable repercussions, including the Houthis' response. These dynamics exacerbate instability in the region, which has a direct impact on maritime security in the Bab-el-Mandeb strait.
Djibouti, situated in a strategic location, understands the importance of maintaining peace and stability in this vital zone for global trade. Our country strives to promote dialogue and international cooperation to address these complex issues. We are committed to working with our international partners to ensure maritime security and contribute to a peaceful solution to regional conflicts.
Our role is crucial in preserving this essential maritime route and in contributing, as far as we are able, to the stabilisation of the region. Djibouti aspires to be a player for peace and a facilitator of dialogue in these difficult circumstances.
Djibouti is becoming a logistics hub comprising an international free zone, a true trade crossroads between Africa, Asia and Europe. What are the next developments in this project, which is close to the heart of President Ismaël Omar Guelleh?
*AKM* : Under the leadership of President Ismaël Omar Guelleh, Djibouti is transforming into a major logistics hub. We have already achieved significant progress with our international free zone, which facilitates trade between Africa, Asia and Europe. Upcoming developments include the expansion of port infrastructure, the improvement of rail and road connections, and the implementation of more efficient and integrated logistics services.
*AKM* : Djibouti has made significant progress in the digital field. We have invested in state-of-the-art telecommunications infrastructure and in improving internet connectivity. Our upcoming objectives include the expansion of our fibre-optic network, the development of cloud computing services and the training of local talent in information and communication technologies. We aim to become a regional hub for digital technology and innovation.
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