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Djibouti, For a piece of Africa

(65 images)
Dwarf-sized country with giant strategic importance, Djibouti lies at the heart of a troubled spot in the Horn of Africa. Of prime importance in the world of geopolitics, it is a country of armies, secret services, refugees, aid organizations and wheeler-dealers.
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  • A dwarf-sized country with a giant’s strategic importance, Djibouti lies at the heart of a troubled hot spot in the Horn of Africa. .Of prime importance in the world of international geopolitics, it is a country of armies, secret service agencies, refugees, aid organizations and wheeler-dealers. Aerial view on Djibouti. The French Air Force (Armée de l'Air) flying above Djibouti in a Puma helicopter, as part of a routine excercice. .These days, most international players wants (and pay big money for it...) an army presence in Djibouti: the perfect gateway to the rest of Africa...A dwarf-sized country with a giant’s strategic importance, Djibouti lies at the heart of a troubled hot spot in the Horn of Africa. It is surrounded by the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, and bordered by Eritrea, Ethiopia and Somalia..Of prime importance in the world of international geopolitics, it is a country of armies, secret service agencies, refugees, aid organizations and wheeler-dealers.
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  • Liberty Star and Liberty Spirit are lined up in the old port of Djibouti. The US freighters import 130,000 tonnes of wheat, under the auspices of the WFP; from here, supplies go out to Djibouti, Northern Somalia and, most importantly, Ethiopia. At the Port, loading bags of Sorghum and Wheat to fight famine in Ethiopia. Brought on ships, these are donations of the USA via the World Food Program (WFP). The bags are loaded onto trucks bound to Ethiopia. 95% of the traffic going through the port goes to neighboring Ethiopia who does not have any coastline...The geostrategical and geopolitical importance of the Republic of Djibouti, located on the Horn of Africa, by the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, and bordered by Eritrea, Ethiopia and Somalia.
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  • US Navy Seal diver searches for explosives, fearing an attack on the only US base in Africa. On his upper body is tattooed the Psalm 23 of the Bible...The geostrategical and geopolitical importance of the Republic of Djibouti, located on the Horn of Africa, by the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, and bordered by Eritrea, Ethiopia and Somalia.
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  • A freighter transports cattle to Saudi Arabia. It has come from northern Somalia, for Djibouti has suffered a long drought and its animals are too undernourished. ..The geostrategical and geopolitical importance of the Republic of Djibouti, located on the Horn of Africa, by the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, and bordered by Eritrea, Ethiopia and Somalia.
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  • At the Dry Port, young malnourished daily workers loading cartons of Dates, sent by the UN’s World Food Programme, to fight famine in Ethiopia. Djibouti is one of the biggest transhipment points in the world for the UN...The geostrategical and geopolitical importance of the Republic of Djibouti, located on the Horn of Africa, by the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, and bordered by Eritrea, Ethiopia and Somalia.
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  • At the Dry Port, young malnourished daily workers loading cartons of Dates, sent by the UN’s World Food Programme, to fight famine in Ethiopia. Djibouti is one of the biggest transhipment points in the world for the UN...The geostrategical and geopolitical importance of the Republic of Djibouti, located on the Horn of Africa, by the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, and bordered by Eritrea, Ethiopia and Somalia.
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  • Almost 7 million tonnes are transhipped through the port annually. Every day, 500 Ethiopian trucks pass through, sometimes 200 for the WFP alone. Loaded trucks bound to Ethiopia are stationed to clear custom at an area called PK12. 95% of the traffic going through the Djiboutian port goes to neighboring Ethiopia who does not have any coastline...The geostrategical and geopolitical importance of the Republic of Djibouti, located on the Horn of Africa, by the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, and bordered by Eritrea, Ethiopia and Somalia.
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  • It is so hot that the beach only comes alive at sunset The old port lies on the other side. Containers are now handled at the new terminal, one of the most expensive in the world. Djibouti’s government hopes to keep capitalizing on the country’s location—and dreams of becoming a second Dubai. Plage du Héron, near the very fancy Kempinski Hotel and with a view over the Djibouti Port..It is so hot that the beach only comes alive at sunset The old port lies on the other side. Containers are now handled at the new terminal, one of the most expensive in the world. Djibouti’s government hopes to keep capitalising on the country’s location—and dreams of becoming a second Dubai...The geostrategical and geopolitical importance of the Republic of Djibouti, located on the Horn of Africa, by the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, and bordered by Eritrea, Ethiopia and Somalia.
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  • Stark contrast. An illegal Ethiopian immigrant gathers salt to sell at the market. In the distance, the new terminal juts out far into the ocean. It can accomodate 1.7 million containers, as well as large ships that unload their cargo onto smaller ships. It is the most modern port on the eastern coast of Africa, and one of the most expensive in the world. Worker collecting salt. Right across from the very modern New Port of Djibouti, Oromo people (of Ethiopia), some of them illigal immigrants, are collecting salt. They dig holes, the sea water sips through and evaporates. They then collect the salt. All work is done by hand. They live in extreme conditions, in houses made of collected garbage...The geostrategical and geopolitical importance of the Republic of Djibouti, located on the Horn of Africa, by the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, and bordered by Eritrea, Ethiopia and Somalia.
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  • The salt of the earth. An illegal Ethiopian immigrant gathers salt to sell at the market. Almost half the city lives in the slum - 200,000 people. Right across from the very modern New Port of Djibouti, malnourished Oromo people (of Ethiopia), some of them illigal immigrants, are collecting salt. They dig holes, the sea water sips through and evaporates. They then collect the salt. All work is done by hand. They live in extreme conditions, in houses made of collected garbage...The geostrategical and geopolitical importance of the Republic of Djibouti, located on the Horn of Africa, by the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, and bordered by Eritrea, Ethiopia and Somalia.
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  • Used for anti-piracy operation, the German naval reconnaissance plane P-3C Orion. German Air Force working with Operation Atalanta (EU anti-piracy mission) and OEF (Operation Enduring Freedom) on sea reconnaissance mission using P3 plane with Infra Red cameras and other high tech equipment, to identify potential piracy activities off the coast of Somalia...The geostrategical and geopolitical importance of the Republic of Djibouti, located on the Horn of Africa, by the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, and bordered by Eritrea, Ethiopia and Somalia.
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  • On board the German naval reconnaissance plane, 15 men are bent over a map of the Internationally Recommended¬ Transit Corridor (IRTC), which runs across the Gulf of Aden, a dead-straight, 1,000km-long, two-lane passage heading east through some of the most dangerous waters in the world. Planning the flight route over the Gulf of Aden, to look for pirates..German Air Force working with Operation Atalanta (EU anti-piracy mission) and OEF (Operation Enduring Freedom) on sea reconnaissance mission using P3 plane with Infra Red cameras and other high tech equipment, to identify potential piracy activities off the coast of Somalia...The geostrategical and geopolitical importance of the Republic of Djibouti, located on the Horn of Africa, by the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, and bordered by Eritrea, Ethiopia and Somalia.
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  • “We’ll fly down the corridor and turn around at the end,” says the tactical coordinator, nicknamed ‘Tacco.’ These men are on a mission as part of the EU’s Operation Atalanta. They have 8 hours to locate the wooden cutters and speedboats of Somali pirates. German Air Force working with Operation Atalanta (EU anti-piracy mission) and OEF (Operation Enduring Freedom) on sea reconnaissance mission using P3 plane with Infra Red cameras and other high tech equipment, to identify potential piracy activities off the coast of Somalia...The geostrategical and geopolitical importance of the Republic of Djibouti, located on the Horn of Africa, by the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, and bordered by Eritrea, Ethiopia and Somalia.
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  • Probably unaware of the piracy, tourists on their sailing boat, off the coast of Somalia, most likely on their way to the Seychelles...German Air Force working with Operation Atalanta (EU anti-piracy mission) and OEF (Operation Enduring Freedom) on sea reconnaissance mission using P3 plane with Infra Red cameras and other high tech equipment, to identify potential piracy activities off the coast of Somalia...The geostrategical and geopolitical importance of the Republic of Djibouti, located on the Horn of Africa, by the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, and bordered by Eritrea, Ethiopia and Somalia.
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  • Tired after looking out for 8 hours for Somali pirates. The trigger for piracy was provided by marauders: European and Asian fish-trawlers whose crews used the power-vacuum in Somalia to poach in the unprotected high seas; Italian mafia who dumped illegal toxic waste here for years. Somali fishermen reacted by attacking the trawlers, cargo vessels and ships carrying relief supplies—and discovered a bountiful source of income. After a whole day looking for "pirates" off the coast of Somalia. German Air Force working with Operation Atalanta (EU anti-piracy mission) and OEF (Operation Enduring Freedom) on sea reconnaissance mission using P3 plane with Infra Red cameras and other high tech equipment, to identify potential piracy activities off the coast of Somalia...The geostrategical and geopolitical importance of the Republic of Djibouti, located on the Horn of Africa, by the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, and bordered by Eritrea, Ethiopia and Somalia.
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  • Setting up the first German embassy in Djibouti. Germany's army presence is there to "protect its foreign trade interests" as well as part of its EU's Operation Atalanta. Future German ambassador Jorg Kinnen (blue shirt) and retired ambassador Manfred Dohmeyer working on setting up the first German embassy in Djibouti, at their temporary office: a room at the Sheraton hotel...The geostrategical and geopolitical importance of the Republic of Djibouti, located on the Horn of Africa, by the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, and bordered by Eritrea, Ethiopia and Somalia.
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  • Refugees from northern Somalia fleeing starvation wait at the border of Djibouti for permission to enter—in vain. .Only war refugees from central and southern Somalia are accepted...In Loyada, the only official border crossing from Djibouti into Somalia, war refugees from Somalia hope to be accepted by the UNHCR and Onars (Djibouti Refugee Agency), so they can be settled in a refugee camp. Only Somalians coming from South Somalia (in and around Mogadishu, where the fighting takes place) are accepted. They are interrogated, so that the UNHCR/Onars authorities can find out if they really come from South Somalia. People coming from famine-striken North Somalia (Somaliland and Puntland) try to get accepted, often resulting in rejection...The geostrategical and geopolitical importance of the Republic of Djibouti, located on the Horn of Africa, by the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, and bordered by Eritrea, Ethiopia and Somalia.
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  • Djiboutian Police inspecting bodies of Somalian Refugee asylum. They look for scars, in case military people from extremist organisations such as Al Chabab try to enter Djibouti. ..In Loyada, the only official border crossing from Djibouti into Somalia, war refugees from Somalia hope to be accepted by the UNHCR and Onars (Djibouti Refugee Agency), so they can be settled in a refugee camp. Only Somalians coming from South Somalia (in and around Mogadishu, where the fighting takes place) are accepted. They are interrogated, so that the UNHCR/Onars authorities can find out if they really come from South Somalia. People coming from famine-striken North Somalia (Somaliland and Puntland) try to get accepted, often resulting in rejection...The geostrategical and geopolitical importance of the Republic of Djibouti, located on the Horn of Africa, by the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, and bordered by Eritrea, Ethiopia and Somalia.
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  • A Somalian refugee, Maka from Mogadiscio, lost his parents and whole family from bombing. He shows a shrapnel scar on his head...In Loyada, the only official border crossing from Djibouti into Somalia, war refugees from Somalia hope to be accepted by the UNHCR and Onars (Djibouti Refugee Agency), so they can be settled in a refugee camp. Only Somalians coming from South Somalia (in and around Mogadishu, where the fighting takes place) are accepted. They are interrogated, so that the UNHCR/Onars authorities can find out if they really come from South Somalia. People coming from famine-striken North Somalia (Somaliland and Puntland) try to get accepted, often resulting in rejection...The geostrategical and geopolitical importance of the Republic of Djibouti, located on the Horn of Africa, by the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, and bordered by Eritrea, Ethiopia and Somalia.
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  • Hope again! An accepted Somalian refugee happy to be in Djibouti...In Loyada, the only official border crossing from Djibouti into Somalia, war refugees from Somalia hope to be accepted by the UNHCR and Onars (Djibouti Refugee Agency), so they can be settled in a refugee camp. Only Somalians coming from South Somalia (in and around Mogadishu, where the fighting takes place) are accepted. They are interrogated, so that the UNHCR/Onars authorities can find out if they really come from South Somalia. People coming from famine-striken North Somalia (Somaliland and Puntland) try to get accepted, often resulting in rejection...The geostrategical and geopolitical importance of the Republic of Djibouti, located on the Horn of Africa, by the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, and bordered by Eritrea, Ethiopia and Somalia.
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  • Illegal refugees sleeping on the beach. About 100 non-registered refugees arrive from Somalia every day. They are trying either to find work in Djibouti or to cross the Red Sea to Yemen, on way to their dream destination: Dubai. ..The geostrategical and geopolitical importance of the Republic of Djibouti, located on the Horn of Africa, by the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, and bordered by Eritrea, Ethiopia and Somalia.
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  • On the top floor of a boarding house for prostitutes, mostly Ethiopians, the "queen bee" is waiting for coffee. The bedroom of the "Queen bee". All girls are from Ethiopia...One of the communal home of escort girls and prostitutes, in Djibouti. Most of them find their clients in bars and discos. Most of their clients are military people and workers from various nationalities. Prostitute are most of the time high on Khat, a stimulant drug...The geostrategical and geopolitical importance of the Republic of Djibouti, located on the Horn of Africa, by the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, and bordered by Eritrea, Ethiopia and Somalia.
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  • On Friday (the equivalent of Sunday in Muslim Djibouti), Lula and Nadja, 2 ethiopian prostitutes, recover from last night out. Khat keeps the young women awake at night: the drug has a stimulant effect.. Recovering from the night, Most girl eat Khat to stay up all night...One of the communal home of escort girls and prostitutes, in Djibouti. Most of them find their clients in bars and discos. Most of their clients are military people and workers from various nationalities...The geostrategical and geopolitical importance of the Republic of Djibouti, located on the Horn of Africa, by the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, and bordered by Eritrea, Ethiopia and Somalia.
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  • Muna is combing Tina’s hair; the two Ethiopians prostitutes will soon be heading to a club. “The best is to find an American soldier,” says Tina. “The French are the most generous clients; they pay for our apartments so that we don’t have to work. But sooner or later, they all go back to their wives.” ..One of the communal home of escort girls and prostitutes, in Djibouti. Most of them find their clients in bars and discos. Most of their clients are military people and workers from various nationalities. Prostitute are most of the time high on Khat, a stimulant drug...The geostrategical and geopolitical importance of the Republic of Djibouti, located on the Horn of Africa, by the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, and bordered by Eritrea, Ethiopia and Somalia.
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  • The air lies is thick and heavy. There is incense burning in a small bowl, grass on the tiled floor, Tina is doing her daily Ethiopian coffee ceremony.Almost all the girls are from Ethiopia. ..One of the communal home of escort girls and prostitutes, in Djibouti. Most of them find their clients in bars and discos. Most of their clients are military people and workers from various nationalities. Prostitute are most of the time high on Khat, a stimulant drug...The geostrategical and geopolitical importance of the Republic of Djibouti, located on the Horn of Africa, by the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, and bordered by Eritrea, Ethiopia and Somalia.
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  • Sablia gets ready for the night. The Sheraton and the Kempinski— both in Arab hands and prime destination for prostitutes —run casinos, and the port town has no less than a few thousand prostitutes. “Bad work, good money,” says Sablia...One of the communal home of escort girls and prostitutes, in Djibouti. Most of them find their clients in bars and discos. Most of their clients are military people and workers from various nationalities. Prostitute are most of the time high on Khat, a stimulant drug...The geostrategical and geopolitical importance of the Republic of Djibouti, located on the Horn of Africa, by the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, and bordered by Eritrea, Ethiopia and Somalia.
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  • Sablia, an ethiopian prostitute, says she is truly in love with Haluk, a turkish man based in Djibouti. Most of the clients are military and navy personnel, as well as foreign workers from the harbour....One of the communal home of escort girls and prostitutes, in Djibouti. Most of them find their clients in bars and discos. Most of their clients are military people and workers from various nationalities...The geostrategical and geopolitical importance of the Republic of Djibouti, located on the Horn of Africa, by the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, and bordered by Eritrea, Ethiopia and Somalia.
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  • At the New Delhi club, the jukebox is playing “Sing Hallelujah”. French Foreign Legion men are on leave... French Foreign Legionmaires (the 13th Foreign Legion Demi-Brigade) partying on the week end at the New Delhi Club, in Djibouti town. Up to 5 years in service, they are not allowed to wear civilian clothes. ..The geostrategical and geopolitical importance of the Republic of Djibouti, located on the Horn of Africa, by the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, and bordered by Eritrea, Ethiopia and Somalia.
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  • A soldier inside his Container Living Units (CLU - this area is known as Cluville) where he lives..Life at Camp Lemonnier, a United States Naval Expeditionary Base, a garrison part of the Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa...Camp Lemonnier is on B Alert (same level of security as Afghanistan or Iraq)...The geostrategical and geopolitical importance of the Republic of Djibouti, located on the Horn of Africa, by the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, and bordered by Eritrea, Ethiopia and Somalia.
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  • A US soldier doing a routine dance for his upcoming performance. Celebration of the 235th anniversary of the US Army. Life at Camp Lemonnier, a United States Naval Expeditionary Base, a garrison part of the Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa...Camp Lemonnier is on B Alert (same level of security as Afghanistan or Iraq)...The geostrategical and geopolitical importance of the Republic of Djibouti, located on the Horn of Africa, by the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, and bordered by Eritrea, Ethiopia and Somalia.
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  • Aiming to prevent the Horn of Africa from becoming another refuge for Islamic terrorists post-9/11, the Americans have made Djibouti the headquarters of their multinational anti-terror campaign, Operation Enduring Freedom. They are on "B" security alert, same level than for places like Afghanistan and Iraq. This is ‘CLU-Ville’ or ‘Container City’, what the Americans call their living quarters at the US base, Camp Lemonnier. Lines of Container Living Units (CLU - this area is known as Cluville) where military personnel lives. .‘CLU-Ville’ or ‘Container City’ is what the Americans call their living quarters at the US base, Camp Lemonnier, a self-contained world with tight security and its own cinema and supermarket...Life at Camp Lemonnier, a United States Naval Expeditionary Base, a garrison part of the Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa...The geostrategical and geopolitical importance of the Republic of Djibouti, located on the Horn of Africa, by the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, and bordered by Eritrea, Ethiopia and Somalia.
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  • Military people from the Civil Affairs department of the US Army doing a trip to Sagallou (near Tadjoura), as part of a medical camp mission. Part of the "3D approach" of the US Army : Development (in that case), Democracy, Defense...The geostrategical and geopolitical importance of the Republic of Djibouti, located on the Horn of Africa, by the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, and bordered by Eritrea, Ethiopia and Somalia.
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  • Selecting potential patients for an eye clinic free examination...Military people from the Civil Affairs department of the US Army doing a trip to Sagallou (near Tadjoura), as part of a medical camp mission. Part of the "3D approach" of the US Army : Development (in that case), Democracy, Defense...The geostrategical and geopolitical importance of the Republic of Djibouti, located on the Horn of Africa, by the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, and bordered by Eritrea, Ethiopia and Somalia.
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  • Public Relations operation around the medical camp - interviewing soldiers...Military people from the Civil Affairs department of the US Army doing a trip to Sagallou (near Tadjoura), as part of a medical camp mission. Part of the "3D approach" of the US Army : Development (in that case), Democracy, Defense...The geostrategical and geopolitical importance of the Republic of Djibouti, located on the Horn of Africa, by the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, and bordered by Eritrea, Ethiopia and Somalia.
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  • Djiboutian police eying US Army personel...Military people from the Civil Affairs department of the US Army doing a trip to Sagallou (near Tadjoura), as part of a medical camp mission. Part of the "3D approach" of the US Army : Development (in that case), Democracy, Defense...The geostrategical and geopolitical importance of the Republic of Djibouti, located on the Horn of Africa, by the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, and bordered by Eritrea, Ethiopia and Somalia.
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  • Eye clinic...Military people from the Civil Affairs department of the US Army doing a trip to Sagallou (near Tadjoura), as part of a medical camp mission. Part of the "3D approach" of the US Army : Development (in that case), Democracy, Defense...The geostrategical and geopolitical importance of the Republic of Djibouti, located on the Horn of Africa, by the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, and bordered by Eritrea, Ethiopia and Somalia.
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  • Landing. The Foreign Legion, a unit of the French army, sets off on an anti-guerrilla exercise. .Djibouti offers the ideal terrain—it is hot and mountainous, just like Afghanistan...The geostrategical and geopolitical importance of the Republic of Djibouti, located on the Horn of Africa, by the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, and bordered by Eritrea, Ethiopia and Somalia.
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  • Sakatz (on top of the jeep), a Roumanian man enrolled in the French Foreign legion, going to take part in the building of a Forward Operating Base, an excercice on guerilla war, in an environment very similar to the one encountered, for example, in Afghanistan.. French soldiers in a camouflaged jeep. The Foreign Legion, a unit of the French army, sets off on an anti-guerrilla exercise. .Djibouti offers the ideal terrain—it is hot and mountainous, just like Afghanistan...The geostrategical and geopolitical importance of the Republic of Djibouti, located on the Horn of Africa, by the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, and bordered by Eritrea, Ethiopia and Somalia.
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  • French soldiers defend Djibouti when neighbours like Eritrea invade the country. Captain of a P4 unit...The Foreign Legion, a unit of the French army, sets off on an anti-guerrilla exercise. .Djibouti offers the ideal terrain—it is hot and mountainous, just like Afghanistan...French soldiers defend Djibouti when neighbours like Eritrea invade the country. A ..The geostrategical and geopolitical importance of the Republic of Djibouti, located on the Horn of Africa, by the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, and bordered by Eritrea, Ethiopia and Somalia.
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  • Djibouti offers the ideal terrain to train a foreign Army - it is hot and mountainous, just like Afghanistan.. During an ambush excercice. ..The Foreign Legion, a unit of the French army, sets off on an anti-guerrilla exercise. .Djibouti offers the ideal terrain—it is hot and mountainous, just like Afghanistan...The geostrategical and geopolitical importance of the Republic of Djibouti, located on the Horn of Africa, by the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, and bordered by Eritrea, Ethiopia and Somalia.
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  • North of Djibouti town, in the desert, the French Foreign Legion (the 13th Foreign Legion Demi-Brigade) is building a Forward Operating Base, as part of an excercice on guerilla war, in an environment very similar to the one encountered, for example, in Afghanistan...The geostrategical and geopolitical importance of the Republic of Djibouti, located on the Horn of Africa, by the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, and bordered by Eritrea, Ethiopia and Somalia.
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  • A legionnaire sleeping on his Famas (machine gun) and in combat outfit, with his bags ready, so that he can be ready in 15mn (that includes shaving time!). He must be ready to combat in the desert for at least 24 hrs...North of Djibouti town, in the desert, the French Foreign Legion (the 13th Foreign Legion Demi-Brigade) spent a week in a Forward Operating Base that they built, as part of an excercice on guerilla war, in an environment very similar to the one encountered, for example, in Afghanistan...The geostrategical and geopolitical importance of the Republic of Djibouti, located on the Horn of Africa, by the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, and bordered by Eritrea, Ethiopia and Somalia.
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  • Empty artillery shells after a night test firing tanks. French Foreign legion. To organize such war simulation excercises in France would be impossible...North of Djibouti town, in the desert, the French Foreign Legion (the 13th Foreign Legion Demi-Brigade) is practicing shooting with FAMAS rifle in a firing range, as part of an excercice on guerilla war, in an environment very similar to the one encountered, for example, in Afghanistan...The geostrategical and geopolitical importance of the Republic of Djibouti, located on the Horn of Africa, by the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, and bordered by Eritrea, Ethiopia and Somalia.
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  • Frigate Captain Nils Brandt returns to Djibouti harbour after an operation carried out by the German navy...German Navy Force working with Operation Atalanta (EU anti-piracy mission) and OEF (Operation Enduring Freedom) on sea reconnaissance mission using a battleship called "Schleswig-Holstein", to identify potential piracy activities off the coast of Somalia...The geostrategical and geopolitical importance of the Republic of Djibouti, located on the Horn of Africa, by the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, and bordered by Eritrea, Ethiopia and Somalia.
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  • Frigate Captain Nils Brandt returns to Djibouti harbour, passing French and US Army boats, after an operation carried out by the German navy...German Navy Force working with Operation Atalanta (EU anti-piracy mission) and OEF (Operation Enduring Freedom) on sea reconnaissance mission using a battleship called "Schleswig-Holstein", to identify potential piracy activities off the coast of Somalia...The geostrategical and geopolitical importance of the Republic of Djibouti, located on the Horn of Africa, by the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, and bordered by Eritrea, Ethiopia and Somalia.
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  • German Air Force working with Operation Atalanta (EU anti-piracy mission) having a drink with Japanese Navy, to celebrate their return from mission. ..The geostrategical and geopolitical importance of the Republic of Djibouti, located on the Horn of Africa, by the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, and bordered by Eritrea, Ethiopia and Somalia.
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  • The marketplace of the capital lies between the European and African quarters. But the Chinese, as Djibouti’s most important investors, are wielding more and more influence.. Crowd and buses on the Place Mahamoud Harbi (former Place Arthur Rimbaud), the heart of Djibouti where the main market is based and buses come and go out of Djibouti..The marketplace of the capital lies between the European and African quarters. But the Chinese, as Djibouti’s most important investors, are wielding more and more influence...The geostrategical and geopolitical importance of the Republic of Djibouti, located on the Horn of Africa, by the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, and bordered by Eritrea, Ethiopia and Somalia.
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  • Colorful women shopping. The side streets near the Mahamoud Harbi (former Place Arthur Rimbaud), the heart of Djibouti where the main market is based and buses come and go out of Djibouti mainly towards Ethiopia...The geostrategical and geopolitical importance of the Republic of Djibouti, located on the Horn of Africa, by the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, and bordered by Eritrea, Ethiopia and Somalia.
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  • Narrow street. The side streets near the Mahamoud Harbi (former Place Arthur Rimbaud), the heart of Djibouti where the main market is based and buses come and go out of Djibouti mainly towards Ethiopia...The geostrategical and geopolitical importance of the Republic of Djibouti, located on the Horn of Africa, by the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, and bordered by Eritrea, Ethiopia and Somalia.
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  • In the slums of Balbala. The khat-sellers open their stalls at noon, after which a collective frenzy begins. About one-third of all local income is spent on this chewed drug, a stimulant...The geostrategical and geopolitical importance of the Republic of Djibouti, located on the Horn of Africa, by the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, and bordered by Eritrea, Ethiopia and Somalia.
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  • Aerial view on Djibouti. The worst slum of Djibouti, where French soldiers have been attacked in the past. .View over the slums of Balbala (meaning Lighthouse in Somalian language), on the edge of Djibouti...The geostrategical and geopolitical importance of the Republic of Djibouti, located on the Horn of Africa, by the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, and bordered by Eritrea, Ethiopia and Somalia.
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  • Advertisement for Ismail Omar Guelleh, the Djiboutian president stating "En Toute Confiance". President Guelleh has been in power since 1999. Djibouti may be a tiny state, but he is one of the continent’s richest men....The geostrategical and geopolitical importance of the Republic of Djibouti, located on the Horn of Africa, by the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, and bordered by Eritrea, Ethiopia and Somalia.
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  • President Guelleh has been in power since 1999. Djibouti may be a tiny state, but he is one of the continent’s richest men...Interview with Ismaïl Omar Guelleh (born November 27, 1947), the President of Djibouti. After Djibouti became independent, he became head of the secret police. He received training from the Somali National Security Service and then from the French Secret Service...The geostrategical and geopolitical importance of the Republic of Djibouti, located on the Horn of Africa, by the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, and bordered by Eritrea, Ethiopia and Somalia.
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  • Members of the Independent Federal Constitution Commission (IFCC) discuss the current making-of the Somalian Constitution, which they hope to implement in about 5 years..Left: Adam Mhd Abdullahi (IFCC member).Middle: Mohammed Muse Fole (IFCC Public Consultation Chair).Right: Prod Abdillahi HAssan Jama (Chairman IFCC)..The geostrategical and geopolitical importance of the Republic of Djibouti, located on the Horn of Africa, by the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, and bordered by Eritrea, Ethiopia and Somalia.
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  • Army staff enjoying their Friday at the pool at the Sheraton hotel...The geostrategical and geopolitical importance of the Republic of Djibouti, located on the Horn of Africa, by the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, and bordered by Eritrea, Ethiopia and Somalia.
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  • The end of the wedding celebration of a rich Djiboutian Army Colonel, at the Sheraton hotel...The geostrategical and geopolitical importance of the Republic of Djibouti, located on the Horn of Africa, by the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, and bordered by Eritrea, Ethiopia and Somalia.
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  • Italian businessman playing golf. A slice of astroturf between a garbage dump and the Somali border makes up Djibouti’s golf course. An Italian businessman is teeing off. ..The geostrategical and geopolitical importance of the Republic of Djibouti, located on the Horn of Africa, by the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, and bordered by Eritrea, Ethiopia and Somalia.
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  • Near the public trash dump. The side streets near the Place Mahamoud Harbi (former Place Arthur Rimbaud), the heart of Djibouti where the main market is based and buses come and go out of Djibouti mainly towards Ethiopia...The geostrategical and geopolitical importance of the Republic of Djibouti, located on the Horn of Africa, by the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, and bordered by Eritrea, Ethiopia and Somalia.
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  • Kids preaching at "La Siesta" beach near the Sheraton hotel. The place is often packed with kids coming from the slums, on Thursday and Friday...The geostrategical and geopolitical importance of the Republic of Djibouti, located on the Horn of Africa, by the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, and bordered by Eritrea, Ethiopia and Somalia.
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  • A walk through Arhiba, a slum mostly inhabited by the Afar tribe, the poorest (and sometimes dangerous) area of Djibouti. Arhiba is faced with huge problems of sanitation, extreme malnutrition (Djibouti is expensive and dependent of all imports), tuberculosis, Aids etc...The geostrategical and geopolitical importance of the Republic of Djibouti, located on the Horn of Africa, by the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, and bordered by Eritrea, Ethiopia and Somalia.
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  • The worst slum of Djibouti, where French soldiers have been attacked in the past. .Half the population of Djibouti City live in slums like Arhiba, with little water, work or schools...A walk through Arhiba, a slum mostly inhabited by the Afar tribe, the poorest (and sometimes dangerous) area of Djibouti. Arhiba is faced with huge problems of sanitation, extreme malnutrition (Djibouti is expensive and dependent of all imports), tuberculosis, Aids etc...The geostrategical and geopolitical importance of the Republic of Djibouti, located on the Horn of Africa, by the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, and bordered by Eritrea, Ethiopia and Somalia.
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  • Arhiba lies hidden behind a hill: it is a shantytown of daily-wage labourers and the unemployed, of refugees and those forced to relocate to clear the way for progress. Half the population of Djibouti City lives in slums like Arhiba, with little water, work or schools...A walk through Arhiba, a slum mostly inhabited by the Afar tribe, the poorest (and sometimes dangerous) area of Djibouti. Arhiba is faced with huge problems of sanitation, extreme malnutrition (Djibouti is expensive and dependent of all imports), tuberculosis, Aids etc...The geostrategical and geopolitical importance of the Republic of Djibouti, located on the Horn of Africa, by the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, and bordered by Eritrea, Ethiopia and Somalia.
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  • "Friendship is over, maybe some love, but rarely, if there is a word as big as this...". A poem on the wall of a house in the slums of Arhiba. Poetry on a wall of the Slums. Half the population of Djibouti City live in slums like Arhiba, with little water, work or schools...A walk through Arhiba, a slum mostly inhabited by the Afar tribe, the poorest (and sometimes dangerous) area of Djibouti. Arhiba is faced with huge problems of sanitation, extreme malnutrition (Djibouti is expensive and dependent of all imports), tuberculosis, Aids etc...The geostrategical and geopolitical importance of the Republic of Djibouti, located on the Horn of Africa, by the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, and bordered by Eritrea, Ethiopia and Somalia.
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  • The poorest camp of all: a waste dump on the outskirts of Arhiba. It was occupied by 4,000 huts—until their owners were evicted. Now, villas are being planned here...Half the population of Djibouti City live in slums like Arhiba, with little water, work or schools...A walk through Arhiba, a slum mostly inhabited by the Afar tribe, the poorest (and sometimes dangerous) area of Djibouti. Arhiba is faced with huge problems of sanitation, extreme malnutrition (Djibouti is expensive and dependent of all imports), tuberculosis, Aids etc...The geostrategical and geopolitical importance of the Republic of Djibouti, located on the Horn of Africa, by the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, and bordered by Eritrea, Ethiopia and Somalia.
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