Introduction

This report provides a comprehensive analysis of Djibouti's sovereignty using the methodology of the Burke Institute. Sovereignty is assessed in 7 areas: political, economic, technological, informational, cultural, cognitive and military. Each aspect is assessed on the basis of official data from international and national sources (UN, World Bank, UNESCO, IMF, ITU, FAO, SIPRI, PISA, etc.) without using politicized indexes. The maximum score in each direction is 100; the sum (up to 700) is the accumulated Sovereignty Index (Burke Index).

To adapt and adjust statistical parameters, an international expert survey was conducted for each of the seven components using a single questionnaire of 10 questions with a 10-point scale and one open-ended question.

In total, at least 100 experts from 50+ countries were interviewed for each indicator, taking into account geographical representation and specialization. When calculating and analyzing the data, equalizing coefficients were used, bringing all data to a scale of 0-10 points.

The final index value is the arithmetic mean between statistical data and expert estimates.

Below is an analysis in each area, a summary table and the main conclusions about the peculiarities of Djibouti's sovereignty.

Political sovereignty — 48.6

Djibouti is an active member of the United Nations, the African Union, the League of Arab States, the African Development Bank, IGAD, COMESA, ACP, Francophonie and many other organizations; the country participates in international, regional and trade initiatives. International treaties (ratified and published) take precedence over national law.

The principle is enshrined in the Constitution: international obligations are higher than domestic acts from the moment of publication. The regime is characterized by high institutional stability: since 1999, the country has been ruled by President Ismail Omar Guelleh, with power concentrated in the ruling UMP coalition.

The Political Stability Index (WGI) for 2023: -0.52 (below the global average, but above the neighbors, relatively stable). Management Efficiency Index for 2023: -0.73 (25th percentile worldwide), low-average result. The main problems are corruption and the vertical of power, but there are local improvements with the support of international projects. EGDI (2024): 0.209 (152nd place in the UN ranking, lagging far behind the African and global standards).

The government is implementing a digitalization strategy with the support of the World Bank. The president enjoys substantial elite support, won his 5th term with virtually no opposition; there is a pragmatic acceptance of power in society, but there is no full-fledged electoral competition, and opposition activity is minimal.

Djibouti is the world's “home base": there are bases in the USA (Camp Lemonnier), China, France, Japan, Italy, Spain, Germany, and small facilities in other countries. The bases are used for operations in Africa, the Middle East, the fight against piracy and terrorism, as well as for logistics and intelligence.

Djibouti has ratified the Rome Statute (ICC), but has not signed an agreement on privileges and immunities, the national implementation of the Statute in legislation has not been completed; courts and arbitration are widely used in commercial and trade disputes, and international law is used in law enforcement. The system of government is extremely centralized: the president and his inner circle control the political, legislative and judicial branches.

Elections are held for formal legitimation, but there is no real decentralization or regional autonomy. There is practically no transparency of the special services (National Security Service, military Intelligence): there is no formal civil, parliamentary or judicial oversight, the structure operates anonymously, and independent investigations are not published.

Data completeness assessment: the main indicators are available from international sources, the coverage is 89%.

Economic sovereignty — 52.1

In 2024, GDP per capita according to PPP will be $6,841 (Trading Economics), according to the World Bank — $7,104 - 7,776 (various estimation methods). International reserves for June 2024 amounted to $0.4 billion (about 4.7 months of imports without re-exports). In different time periods, the indicator fluctuated in the range of $0.3–0.5 billion.

Public debt at the end of 2024-33.3% of GDP; in 2023 — 35.4%. This is the best figure in 10 years (down from a peak of 68% in 2015), and the debt is considered sustainable. About 20% of the population (230,000 people) in 2025 are in an acute phase of food insecurity (Crisis/IPC 3-4), including due to the climate and falling external aid; 80% of food is imported, the country is vulnerable to logistical disruptions.

There is a noticeable reduction in the problem (-20% of crisis cases per year) due to increased employment in ports and trade. Half of the electricity is imported from Ethiopia, but major projects are underway to develop its own green energy — the Ghoubet wind farm (2023), and solar and geothermal plants are being expanded.

The plan is to achieve full energy independence and “100% green energy” by 2035. The country has no serious reserves of mineral resources; it is based on salt deposits (Lac Assal), quartz, and small-scale mining of gypsum, phosphorites, and limestone. The seaside location is Djibouti's most valuable resource (strategic seaport and corridors).

Acute structural shortage: arid climate, only 36% of the population have guaranteed access to drinking water. There is an international water pipeline project with Ethiopia, desalination plants (OSMOSUN) are being developed, mini-water intakes for 750,000 people have been implemented, but many areas depend on wells and supplies from abroad.

The regulator is the Central Bank of Djibouti (BCD). In 2022, a large RTGS + ACH payment system was launched, a national “payment switch” is being introduced for micropayments and bank integration, but the market remains cheap, electronic payments and cards are just beginning to gain momentum.

Domestic operations are carried out exclusively in Djibouti francs (DJF); international contracts are in DJF, USD, EUR, CNY, AED (according to the partner's profile, especially in the segment of port and military services).

The Bank of Djibouti is a full–fledged issuing center: DJF issuance is strictly regulated, a fixed exchange rate against the US dollar (fixed peg - 1 USD = 177.72 DJF) is fixed; its own credit policy and regulation is conducted, banks are licensed, and new supervision of electronic payment services is being introduced.

Data completeness assessment: the main macroeconomic indicators are available from official sources (World Bank, IMF), coverage is 90%.

Technological sovereignty — 31.7

The total cost of scientific research (R&D) is estimated at 0.04–0.06% of GDP (according to a number of international databases and UN/IMF reports; official data are hidden, but the real level is minimal).

The country almost completely imports computers, software, telecom/network solutions, and electronics; there is no real import substitution or localization system for high-tech. Strategic national systems (port infrastructure, telecommunications) are being implemented by international vendors, and all key IT solutions are of foreign origin.

According to data for 2024, the proportion of young people studying at universities is 5.2–5.35% (IMF/Maxinomics, Statista, UNESCO/World Bank).

This is significantly lower than the global average (median ~32%). As of January 2025-65.0% of the population (765 thousand users) have access to the Internet. The average fixed connection speed is 17.45 Mbps.

In 2021, the MINISTÈRE DE L'ÉCONOMIE NUMÉRIQUE ET DE L'INNOVATION (MENI) was created. The National Data Interoperability Platform was deployed in 2023, the state data center was opened, the electronic portal of public services, the unified ID system and digital document management are being implemented by the government and with the support of international partners (ITU, World Bank, eGA).

All critical technological and industrial systems are completely imported: equipment, servers, telecom, computing equipment, and software are purchased from foreign players. There is no export of proprietary software and electronics. Since 2018, a National Data Center has been deployed, the e-government portal has been centralized, an electronic identification system (e-ID) has been introduced, digital document management between ministries, an open database (Open Data Initiative) is being maintained, and an increase in the number of digital services for businesses and the public is being worked out.

The biotechnology sector is limited by basic programs: cooperation with the IAEA and the IEEE (medical diagnostics, marine pollution monitoring, food safety, technology for oncology and environmental monitoring), there is no industrial production of vaccines or pharmaceutical innovations; all major research is funded by foreign expertise and grants.

Robotics research and implementation are almost completely absent; individual pilot projects on port and transport infrastructure are implemented by foreign contractors, there is no own sector and no educational initiatives. Djibouti does not manufacture/design microelectronics, chips and related components — 100% of the equipment and components are purchased on foreign markets.

Data completeness assessment: key indicators are obtained from WIPO, ITU, UNESCO, which provides 91% coverage.

Information sovereignty — 44.2

In 2024, Djibouti approved the national cybersecurity strategy for 2024-2030 and launched the National Incident Response Center (CIRT). At the same time, the country is in Tier 4 of the ITU Global Cybersecurity Index (Global Cybersecurity Index) with a score of 31.47/100, which is a low level by international standards, requiring serious strengthening of personnel and institutions.

The main Internet exchange office (IXP) is DjIX (AMS-IX Djibouti), created jointly with Wingu Africa and AMS-IX and has been operating since 2023. Traffic has increased 4-fold over the year, and Djibouti Data Center and national data hubs have become an important part of regional data exchange (10 underwater cables, large hubs for CDN content, cloud and enterprise solutions).

All official TV and radio broadcasting (RTD Radio, Tele Djibouti, La Nation, Al-Qarn) is conducted in French, Arabic, Somali and Afar. There are no independent channels or private media, and local content is almost entirely state-controlled. Online media are mostly re-emigrated by the diaspora. BigTech's influence is very high: the main traffic on the Internet, mobile applications and social networks is carried out through Google, Facebook, WhatsApp, YouTube and TikTok.

There are almost no local platforms, resistance to BigTech is low, and regulation is only being formed within the framework of Digital Code 2025. About 80-90% of radio, TV, and newspapers are government content; creative and independent projects are rare, and the share of local news and video resources on the Internet is several times lower than imported ones (YouTube/social networks).

Opposition media outlets operate online from abroad; original content is available only through state-owned media or cultural festivals. Local developers (Dikhil Software, CServeTech) are working on the market, several cloud applications have been created, a large share is the adaptation and localization of external solutions (ERP, CRM, e-Gov, e-Visa). Local products are focused on car service platforms, port and banking systems, educational applications; there is no software export.

65% of the population uses the Internet (21.8% use mobile Internet), a digital portal of public services, e-ID, open data initiatives has been created, a single state data hub is being implemented, and infrastructure is being actively upgraded (Tier 1 3 data center is operating by 2025, the second one is planned by 2026).

The first cloud data center has been operating since 2013-Djibouti Data Center (DDC, Tier 3); in 2024, the project of a second neutral data center was announced in partnership with PAIX and the Sovereign Wealth Fund of Djibouti (JIB1, launch - 2026), support for public clouds is part of the national strategy.

The national operator Djibouti Telecom monopolistically controls all mobile communications, the infrastructure, licenses and key software belong to the state; 4G, mobile financial services based on carrier solutions, digital identification have been introduced, traffic control and cloud storage requirements have been strengthened.

In June 2025, a new Digital Code was adopted that establishes the basics of personal data protection, cybersecurity, regulation of exchange and cloud services, as well as rules for storing, using and transferring data inside and outside the country.

In practice, the introduction of the regime is at the initial stage, but penalties for leakage and improper processing are provided.

Data completeness assessment: infrastructure indicators are available from ITU, CIRA, OECD and specialized sources, coverage is 90%.

Cultural sovereignty — 66.4

In 2025, Djibouti has no sites on the UNESCO list, but 10 candidates are on the Successor List: Awellos megaliths, Abourma petroglyphs, the historical center of Djibouti City, Lac Assal, the islands of Moucha and Mascali, the natural landscapes of Obok, the Day forest, the territories of Assamo, Jalelo, Lake Abbe.

Djibouti is a regional center for the intersection of African, Arab and Indian cultures, and a key historical transit point on the Red Sea. Contributions to world culture include the richest oral traditions (poetics and spelling of Afars and Somalis), transcontinental music, dances, narratives, festivals, diasporic cultural heritage, organization of international festivals and cooperation with UNESCO intangible Heritage sites (Nomadic Heritage, celebration of peace and natural rituals).

The country annually hosts public and private competitions (Ministère de la Culture, national festivals), prizes in poetry, music and applied arts, projects in archeology and the preservation of cultural practices are supported; at least once a year, the Arthur Rimbaud Cultural Center Festival. Nomadic (Afars, Somalis), folk (Issa, Arabs), and Islamic traditions are strong in the country: hospitality, reverence for elders, ritual rituals (circumcision, weddings, holidays), musical and dance folklore, nature worship (“mudun iyo murugo” — territory and honor), unique costumes, traditional cuisine, rich ceremonial practice (Nauruz, Eid al-Fitr, National Day).

World Bank/IDA programs and national projects are being implemented to develop Afar, Somali, migrant, and women's regions: cultural centers are being built, integration into education systems is being funded, languages are being protected, and humanitarian, festival, and economic initiatives are being supported.

The official list is 10 national ones.UNESCO candidates, dozens of archaeological and memorial sites (Tagada ruins, petroglyphs, the center of Djibouti, lakes/rocks); museums have been established (Djibouti City Museum, Research Center, Independence Memorial). Djibouti participates in all key programs of UNESCO (Intangible Heritage, IFCD), Francophonie, the Arab world, receives support from AFCP (USA), conducts projects with the diaspora in France, participates in Pan-African, regional art festivals and architectural competitions.

Since 2024, the country has been a party to the Geneva Act of the Lisbon Agreement on Geographical Indications and Protected Names of Origin (WIPO): the Sel du Lac Assal brand (Djibouti Salt) has been officially patented, branded spices, incense and handmade products for export are being prepared for registration.

The cuisine combines Afar, Somali, Arabic, Ethiopian and French traditions: lamb/goat meat dishes, fish, spices, sabayad flat bread, lahoh, maraq stew. National rituals of meals, espresso and tea, the import of spices, the abundant use of salt from Lac Assal. The diaspora creates brands around “clean products from the Red Sea” and traditions of ethical harvesting, eco-cooking.

Widespread involvement: all ethnic groups actively celebrate holidays, up to 60-70% of the population celebrate holidays and ceremonies (National Day, religious dates, public festivals), participation in modern cultural projects is developed in cities, and a series of national parades and community festivals are held annually.

Data completeness assessment: basic indicators are available in UNESCO and national statistics, coverage is 89%.

Cognitive sovereignty — 47.8

HDI in 2023 is 0.513, ranked 175 in the world ranking, category “low human development". About 15.2% of all government expenditures (approximately 6% of GDP) go to education (accounting for recent budgets and SDG-4). Adult literacy is 52.8% (2024), with a significant gap: men — 63%, women — 44%.

The country does not participate in PISA, and there are no official scores or reports. There is no data on the exact proportion, but the World Bank estimates for specialized universities that less than 10% of graduates belong to STEM and engineering specialties (even fewer among women).

Up to 20% of all educational programs are implemented in partnership with France, Arab countries, China, USAID, GPE, and the World Bank; academic exchange and joint projects are active, with a major focus on women, rural areas, and refugees. Official languages are French and Arabic, native languages are Afar and Somali (~85% of the population); local languages dominate in everyday life, culture and non-formal education, regional projects and cultural programs are supported.

CERD Center (Centre d'étude et de Recherche de Djibouti): National scientific Institute for bio-, geo-, climate and social research (51-200 employees). Approximately 15% of digital educational resources are national developments (university systems, ministerial portals, distance learning); the rest are international solutions, joint projects with France, China, and the World Bank.

Coverage is at least 2-3 thousand people per year: major programs of the World Bank/IDA, Campus France, China, Alfred Wallace Fund, CERD, state scholarships (women, rural, refugees, young scientists), annual national competitions and exchanges, programs for universities and schools.

Data completeness assessment: education indicators are available in the UNDP, UNESCO, OECD, coverage is 90%.

Military sovereignty — 35.9

Military expenditures in 2024 will amount to 0.4—0.5% of GDP; the defense budget is less than $40 million, and a large part of the resources comes through fees for hosting foreign bases. Regular armed forces: 10,000-15,000 (according to various estimates); reserve — about 3,000; paramilitary structures (national police, gendarmerie) — 1,500. Army — up to 8,000, Navy — up to 1,500, Air Force — up to 500; mobilization reserve — up to 12,000.

The weapons are mostly outdated (Soviet armored personnel carriers, armored vehicles, French systems, mortars and howitzers, Chinese tanks and ATGMs). In recent years, there have been small purchases of new Chinese assets and drones (Turkish Bayraktar TB2); the Air Force has Mi-8/24 transport aircraft and helicopters. The Navy has 8 patrol boats, a small amphibious fleet; heavy systems, air defense and missile weapons are missing.

There is no in-house production of military equipment; local facilities provide only repairs, minor maintenance, flashing, and individual adaptation. The main suppliers are China, France, Russia, Ukraine, and Israel. The control is carried out by the armed forces (land/mobile patrols), supported by constant joint monitoring, including the international task force with Ethiopia.

The rotation of units along the borders with Eritrea and Somalia; the focus is the Bab el-Mandeb area of responsibility, the fight against terrorism and smuggling.

Reserve — up to 12,000 (including mobilization and auxiliary units of former military personnel, graduates of the national in case of mobilization, the forces of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, special forces, and special forces are involved. Military decisions are made sovereignly, but strategically depend on the positions of the tenant countries (USA, France, China, Japan, Italy, etc.), logistics and operations are coordinated with their military headquarters.

The regional blocs (African Union, IGAD, SSADC) participate autonomously, but national defense is closely integrated into the system of allied bases and foreign operations. It is limited to low-tonnage shipbuilding for the Navy, repair of equipment and infrastructure, small-scale services (private and public sector); there is no heavy production of air defense, missiles, UAVs, ammunition.

There are no nuclear, chemical, biological, or strategic weapons; Djibouti has signed and adheres to the nonproliferation regime, and the deployment of WMD on its territory is prohibited under all international treaties. There is no space military program.

National intelligence agencies are responsible for intelligence, and cooperation has been expanded in 2024 (especially with Ethiopia), but satellite, cyber, and geographic information resources are almost entirely obtained through foreign bases (the United States, France, China, and Japan). There is no independent satellite or intelligence capability.

All parameters are reflected in the annual reports of SIPRI, UNODA, the Ministry of Defense, the official portals of state-owned companies (Embraer, IMBEL) and industry databases of UN/NGO — 92% coverage

Final Summary Table

The main conclusions

Strengths. A critical strategic position Djibouti is one of the most important logistical and military points in the world: it controls the exit from the Red Sea, services the transit of Ethiopia's EEZ, hosts the world's largest cluster of foreign military bases (USA, China, France, Japan, Italy, etc.) and receives billions of dollars for infrastructure lease. Financial stability and the export and logistics sector.

The port and logistics infrastructure is the main growth point and source of currency. The share of foreign exchange reserves relative to the economy is small, but the positive current account and exports of transport and military services support macro-financial stability (current account +6.2% of GDP, forecast — up to 19% in 2025).

High level of digitalization and Internet infrastructure The country is a cross-continental Internet hub, connected to 10 underwater cables, 2 Tier-3 data centers (one is under construction), the largest IXP in East Africa: 65% of residents are connected to the Internet, national portals of public services are deployed, digital code 2025 strengthens the data and cybersecurity regime.

Cultural and linguistic diversity, integration of diasporas A strong Afar-Somali core and respect for the two largest linguistic and cultural streams, integration of Islamic, French and Arab traditions, a multinational screen of events, active participation in international forums of UNESCO, WIPO, IFCD, protection of export brands (Sel du Lac Assal).

Weaknesses. Weak social and educational base HDI is below the African average (0.513), literacy is 52.8% (one of the lowest rates in the region, especially among women), less than 6% of young people study at universities, the share of STEM graduates is less than 10%, the gender gap and low coverage of government programs to support personnel and talents.

Extreme vulnerability to external crises and import dependence About 80% of food is imported, fresh water is geostrategically vulnerable, and energy is 50% external. There is almost no in-house production in high-tech, microelectronics, or robotics. Most strategic decisions depend on imports and foreign investments.

Limited national defense independence. The army is small and uncompetitive (10-15 thousand, outdated equipment, no air defense / missiles), defense strategy and intelligence depend on the positions of the tenant countries and geopolitics; their own military decisions are made in close conjunction with foreign bases, there is practically no military-industrial complex. Low transparency of institutions and weak control of special services.

The government is extremely centralized, there is no real decentralization, there is no control over the special services and intelligence, there is no parliamentary or civil supervision, and de facto power is based on a personalistic principle.

Overall assessment. The cumulative Djibouti Sovereignty Index is 326.7 out of 700 possible points (average 46.7%), which places the country in the top 150 in the world top.

Djibouti is a “mini-state with the most strategic profile”: a unique concentration of foreign bases and port logistics, the most important Internet hub in the region, a high level of digitalization and international sabrana, but at the same time an extremely low social base, weak industrial production and exports, absolute dependence on imported food, personnel and educational shortages (especially in STEM and innovation), very low defense and institutional autonomy, and virtually no decentralization of power.

Sovereignty is more “strategic and geo-economic than internal or technological. The sovereignty profile indicates that Djibouti is a minimally sovereign country in most internal socio-economic, technological and defense parameters, but critically important in strategic and transit aspects.

The government is centralized, the state acts as a broker of peace and security in the region, receives large revenues from the lease of bases/ ports, but leaves almost all areas of production, technology, food, science and security to the control of others.

Djibouti's sovereignty profile (2025) is a balance of formal independence with deep external integration, strategic weight and internal vulnerability.