The Djibouti Independence Day is an important moment in the country’s history. Celebrated every year on 27th June the day marks the independence won by this country in Horn of Africa from their erstwhile masters France.The Djibouti Independence Day is an important moment in the country’s history.
Celebrated every year on 27th June the day marks the independence won by this country in Horn of Africa from their erstwhile masters France. Djibouti Independence Day is celebrated on 27th June every year. This public holiday is celebrated to mark the momentous occasion in 1977 when this African nation won its independence from France. After independence it came to be known as the Republic of Djibouti.
Djibouti Independence Day Celebrations
The Djibouti Independence Day celebrations are all about highlighting the best in the African nation’s local traditions. Parades and speeches by important people, including the President form the crux of the celebrations. People also make the day their own with lots of singing, dancing and merriment.
The military parade is an important part of the celebrations. The national army showcases the different units and equipments at its disposal. The parade is also attended by troops from USA, France and Germany and is led by a marching band. The national anthem of Djibouti is played on this occasion. The parade is followed by a function at the Presidential palace where he delivers an address for the common people in the East African nation.
Djibouti Independence Day History
The Republic of Djibouti is a successor of French Somaliland. It was later referred to as the French territory of the Afars and Issas. The country was created in 19th century after French got interested in the Horn of Africa as a reaction growing British interests in Egypt. The first elections were held in the region on 23rd November 1958.
French President Charles de Gaulle visited Djibouti in August 1966 – it was met with 2 days of public demonstrations by Somalis who demanded independence. Louis Saget was appointed governor general of the region on 21st September 1966. He announced that the French government had decided to stage a referendum to see if the local people still wanted to be a part of the French Republic.
In the referendum held in March 1967 60 percent of the people decided to remain with France. In July 1967, as per an order from France, the name of the region was changed to French Territory of Afars and Issas. The administrative structure of the territory was changed as well by the directive.
In 1975 French government started to face growing and persistent demands for independence from Djibouti. In June 1976 the citizenship law of the region was modified to reflect the importance of Issa Somali. In a referendum in May 1977 the electorate voted in favor of independence. The Republic of Djibouti became a reality on 27th June 1977.
Challenges facing Djibouti
Djibouti has continued to maintain cordial economic and political relations with the leadership in Somaliland and it has also been in touch with various factions in Somalia. This has been a major issue for this African nation.
In 2008 troops from Eritrea crossed the border on Ras Doumera peninsula and occupied the Doumera Island. They have been wielding a lot of power in the Red Sea region – this has been a major issue for Djibouti too.
Djibouti has also been home to lots of refugees – especially from Somalia and the number is approximately 8,642.
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