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Djiboutian War of Independence
Part of Djibouti War
Location Djibouti Result FRCS Victory , Independence To Djibouti
Belligerents
Djibouti Front for the Liberation of the Somali Coast	France French Somaliland (1960-1967) French Territory of the Afars and the Issas (1967-1977)
Commanders and leaders
Robleh Awaleh Mahamoud Harbi	Jacques Foccart
Strength
3000	50,000
Casualties and losses
Unknown

Background

Djibouti, formerly known as the French Territory of the Afars and the Issas, became a point of French colonial expansion in the Horn of Africa during the late 19th century. Its strategic location at the southern entrance of the Red Sea made it vital for French trade and military interests.

By the mid-20th century, decolonization movements across Africa inspired calls for sovereignty in Djibouti. Ethnic divisions complicated the situation, with the Somali majority generally favoring independence and the Afar minority often supporting continued French rule. France’s administrative policies deepened these divisions, particularly after the contentious 1958 and 1967 referendums, both of which resulted in the territory remaining under French control. Allegations of voter suppression and violent crackdowns on protests further fueled nationalist sentiments, setting the stage for conflict.

The Front for the Liberation of the Somali Coast (FLCS) emerged as the primary resistance organization, advocating for independence through both political mobilization and armed struggle. The group sought support from neighboring Somalia, which backed Djibouti’s integration into a proposed Greater Somalia.

Independence Struggle

The conflict intensified during the late 1960s and early 1970s, with the FLCS adopting guerrilla tactics, including attacks on infrastructure and military installations. French authorities responded with mass arrests, deportations, and troop reinforcements. The violence disrupted economic activities and heightened international attention on the territory’s political future. The FLCS was established in 1960 by Mahamoud Harbi. Its founding president was Adan Abdulle. FLCS began armed activities outside Djibouti in 1968. From May 1969, its general secretary is Aden Robleh Awaleh. In January 1970 the Front claimed an attack on the Palm in Zinc, a bar in Djibouti City. In 1975 FLCS removes the ambassador of France in Somalia, Jean Guery, to be exchanged against two activists of the Front, which Omar Osman Rabeh. In December 1975, he claimed a failed attack against Ali Aref Bourhan. In February 1976, the FLCS claims the hijacking of a school bus, which ends with the death of the hostage-takers and two children. The organization mainly got its support from the Issa clan. Abdourahman Ahmed Hassan, also known as Gaboode, was made the Secretary General in 1966 after Being Sentance to a two-year prison sentence.

By 1975, mounting pressure from African nations, coupled with growing unrest within Djibouti, forced France to reconsider its position. Diplomatic negotiations began alongside increased resistance activity, paving the way for a final referendum in 1977. The vote resulted in an overwhelming majority in favor of independence.

Aftermath

On June 27, 1977, Djibouti gained independence, with Hassan Gouled Aptidon elected as the nation’s first president. The country faced significant challenges in its early years, including economic underdevelopment, ethnic tensions, and balancing relations with France, Somalia, and Ethiopia. French military bases remained in Djibouti post-independence, maintaining French influence in the region.

Legacy

The Djiboutian War of Independence remains a significant part of the country’s history, symbolizing the struggle for self-determination and sovereignty. The annual celebration of Independence Day on June 27 commemorates this milestone, while the FLCS is remembered as a central force in achieving independence.

Referance

1. http://www.lanation.dj/news/2007/ln76/national5.htm
2. Reno, William (June 13, 2011). Warfare in Independent Africa. Cambridge University Press. ISBN 978-1-139-49865-4 – via Google Books.
3. Alwan, Daoud Aboubaker; Mibrathu, Yohanis (August 10, 2000). Historical Dictionary of Djibouti. Scarecrow Press. ISBN 978-0-8108-3873-4 – via Google Books.
4. Mohamed Kadamy (1996). "Djibouti: Between War and Peace". Review of African Political Economy. 23 (70): 511–521. JSTOR 4006341 – via JSTOR.
5. "61. Djibouti (1977-present)". uca.edu.

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