Djibouti

I worked in this country for 6 months; it was my introduction to Africa and for that reason, it has a special place in my heart. Someday in the far-off future, I would like to visit again to see how much has changed.

The Republic of Djibouti is ethnically diverse, due to its strategic location at the crossroads of trade and commerce. Its population consists of 652,000 citizens. Sixty percent are Somali, thirty-five percent are Afar, and French, Arab, and other minorities make up the remaining five percent. The use of khat is widespread, to the extent that Djibouti has been called the world’s first futuristic “narco-state,” a la Brave New World.
       

The Somali ethnic component in Djibouti is mainly composed of the Issas, who form the majority and rule the nation, and the Gadabuursi and Isaaq, all of whom are closely related as Dir subclans. The Issas form part of the ciise waraabe, while the Gadabuursi and Isaaq are part of the Mahe Dir, Mohammed Hiniftire. Other Somalis in Djibouti include Issas from the Ethiopian Somali Region and from northern Somalia.

Almost all of the people of Djibouti are Muslim, only a small percentage (6 %) are Christian (mostly Catholic), notably the Europeans.

Although French and Arabic are the official languages, Somali and Afar are widely spoken.

The bulk of Djibouti’s people are urban residents; the remainder are herders. Health, sanitary, and education services are relatively poor in both urban and rural areas.
       

Scenic drive from Djibouti City to Tadjoura. Scenery in Tadjoura is beautiful. White Sands Beach in Tadjoura is a must to stop at. Le Golfe hotel is pricey but a great place to stay. Would recommend a stop at Lac Assal.

Djibouti City is overpriced, especially if you are not a local.

Would not recommend visiting Ali-Sabieh, Obock or Dikhil.

So, it’s decided that the location for the project will be Chad, not Djibouti. I am thus removing Djibouti from my list.

I have a potential client for photographs of a country that looks very much like Djibouti.

There is a travel advisory on for Djibouti, to have personal security. I cannot afford personal security. However the client will accept any reasonable counterpart for Djibouti.

I need to find out what country might look enough like Djibouti to get a contract with the client. Does anyone have enough experience with Djibouti, and other parts of Africa (also Francophone, perhaps?) to answer this question?

One of the main characters of my book (Usable Justice) was Djiboutan. Her name—Yamiyah Gorji.

I am going to be doing research and writing about Djibouti. I am hoping to plan a trip there before the end of the year.

He he he. Booty.

We arrived over land and sea from Asmera and Assab in Eritrea to Obock and then over to Djibouti! Hadn’t meant to stay too long, as it was very very hot and humid.. but the people, the colours and the landscapes were absolutely amazing!

Very very friendly people, in Djibouti, they are mainly Somalilanders – Isaaq – and great fun.

We spent our time wondering around the streets of the old city chatting to people along the way, taking many many drinks (and photos!)

Here are some: