Djibouti Politics: US Forces To Remain Through 2007
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By Somalilandtimes network
COUNTRY BRIEFING
US forces serving in the joint task-force for counter-terrorist operations in the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea region will remain stationed in Djibouti throughout 2006-07. In the interests of preserving Djibouti's political stability, the US administration will continue to turn a blind eye to civil and human rights abuses by the regime, but will apply some behind-the-scenes pressure on the government to improve its record. In an effort to maintain good diplomatic relations with the host of its only permanent military base in Sub-Saharan Africa, the US will also support Djibouti's negotiations with international financial institutions.
Djibouti port is the mainstay of the country's economy, and Ethiopia is its most important customer. It is in the interests of both countries to maintain good commercial and diplomatic relations, and throughout 2006-07 Ethiopia will continue to rely on Djibouti for the shipping of a substantial proportion of its foreign trade. However, in the long term Ethiopia will seek to develop other trading outlets to the outside world, through Sudan, Somaliland and Kenya.
SOURCE: Country Report, The Economist Intelligence Unit
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