SUMMARY
Djibouti became independent from France in 1977, and Hassan Gouled Aptidion – a member of the powerful Issa (Dir) clan of the Somali ethnic group – became its first president. President Gouled vested all political power in his ruling RPP (Rassemblement populaire pour le Progrès, or People’s Rally for Progress) party. Due to poor health, Gouled was replaced by his handpicked successor (and nephew) Ismaïl Omar Guelleh in 1999; Guelleh remained in power as of 2017. President Guelleh facilitated the creation the UMP (Union pour la Majorité Présidentielle, or Union for the Presidential Majority) party coalition in 2003 in order to ensure his political power. Since independence, the Issa (Dir) clan of the Somali ethnic group held most of the political power in the country, and controlled the government. This led to resentment among the Afar ethnic minority, and also caused the creation of the FRUD rebel group. In 1995, members from FRUD were given two minister post in the government as part of a peace agreement signed in 1994; however, this did not break the political dominance of the Issa (Dir) clan.
In 1991-1993, the Djiboutian government had access to less than 4000 troops, split between the regular armed forces and a paramilitary gendarmerie force. Unconfirmed reports suggested that it might have also employed guerrilla fighters from Ethiopia. In 1994, the total number of troops had increased to over 9000; by 2008, it had further increased to almost 11 000.
When fighting against FRUD 1991-1994, the Government of Djibouti received secondary non-warring support from France, which totaled approximately 5.2 million USD. This aid was disbursed under the forms direct payments, logistics support (jeeps, trucks), delivery of ammunition and of weaponry platforms (helicopters). France also offered some intelligence support. Furthermore, France possessed a significant number of bases in Djibouti with approximately 3800 troops during the period, and there was a defense agreement in place under which the French pledge to defend Djibouti from outside aggression. However, the troops were not engaged in fighting Djiboutian rebel factions.
When fighting erupted between Djibouti and Eritrea in 2008, the Djiboutian government received secondary support from France in accordance with their mutual defense pact. On 16 June, France sent around 300 troops to provide logistical, medical and intelligence support to the Djibouti forces. They also established a temporary base only 30 kilometers away from the disputed area, consisting of both logistical and combat units. There have been allegations that France contributed more directly to the Djibouti war efforts, as an Eritrean patrol boat was sunk by a missile allegedly fired by a French warships; however, this was not confirmed. In total, France had close to 3000 troops deployed to Djibouti.
