. Of the 209,700 vaccine doses, 100% were donated in partnership with COVAX. Cody H. Ramirez), Maj. Gen. William Zana, commanding general of Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA), returns a salute to a member of the 404th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade after placing a newly earned combat patch on the Soldier, March 17, 2022. Background Upon invitation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation of the Republic of Djibouti to IGAD to observe the 2023 legislative election, IGAD Executive Secretary H.E. Djibouti Deployment. U.S. Census Bureau Foreign Trade Statistics )proven reserves: 0 cubic meters (2021 est. An official website of the United States Government, Office of the U.S. Trade Representative Country Page, Office of the Special Envoy for Critical and Emerging Technology, Office of the U.S. Discussions on the danger of food scarcity due to the ongoing unprecedented drought across the region, humanitarian relief planning for East Africa, led to conversations on the negative impact of Russias unprovoked, unjustified war against Ukraine. ), total population: 65.61 yearsmale: 63.04 yearsfemale: 68.25 years (2023 est. )services: 80.2% (2017 est. Djibouti has also contributed several officers . However, with the escalation of the ongoing Yemen conflict, Yemenis began fleeing to Djibouti in March 2015, with almost 20,000 arriving by August 2017. INTRODUCTION Following the invitation of the Government of the Republic of Djibouti, the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC), His Excellency (H.E Mr.) Moussa Faki MAHAMAT, on the proposal of H.E. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Dustin Jordan, 196th Maneuver Enhancement BrigadeApril 29, 2021. The rural population subsists primarily on nomadic herding. This is especially true in East Africa, said U.S. Army Gen. Stephen Townsend, commander, U.S. Africa Command. 202-331-0270). )forest: 0.2% (2018 est. These projects are part of the Government of Djiboutis ambitious plan to turn Djibouti into a major commercial and shipping hub for East Africa. Approximately 70% of the population lives in cities and towns (predominantly in the capital, Djibouti). The U.S. had consular representation in the former colony of French Somaliland starting in 1929. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. The country has deployed a contingent of 960 troops into Somalia and they are based in Beletweyne which serves as Sector 4 headquarters which covers the Hiiran region. )imports of goods and services: -66.4% (2017 est. You all are going to live through history here, added Zana, regarding the MEBs next eight months in Djibouti, East Africa and the greater continent. More information about Djibouti is available from the Department of State and other sources, some of which are listed here: CIA World Factbook Djibouti Page project enabled the rapid deployment of cash and in-kind transfers during the first wave of the . Efforts such as the Djibouti workforce development program (WFD), which ended in 2022, have helped youth build entrepreneurial skills, enhance their English language skills, and prepare them to become leaders in industries like transportation and logistics, tourism, hospitality, and construction. This military assistance had been requested by the Beninese president Patrice Talon, who is on very good terms with his Rwandan counterpart Paul Kagame. . ), total subscriptions: 434,035 (2020 est. The unit enabled . I am pleased to be here at the U.S. military base in Djibouti to focus our attention on one of our most important goalsworking with our African partners on regional peace, security and prosperity, Peter Lord, deputy assistant secretary for East Africa, Sudan, and South Sudan for, U.S. Department of State, said about the forum. Each EDRE is planned for months but executed in moments. (approximately $180 million)3.5% of GDP (2018 est.) USAID Djibouti Page "The 196th MEB's arrival marked a paradigm shift from individual augmentation to a unit-centric sourcing solution for CJTF-HOA's enduring Combined Joint Task Force.". The U.S. Agency for International Developments (USAID) Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance maintains a warehouse for pre-positioned food assistance commodities in Djibouti, serving as a hub for rapid response in parts of Africa and Asia. USAIDs Bureau of Humanitarian Assistance (USAID/BHA) is responding to ongoing food insecurity concerns in rural Djibouti exacerbated each year by drought and climate change. In partnership with the Ministry of Education and Vocational Training (MENFOP), the Ministry of Labor, and the Djibouti Chamber of Commerce, U.S. assistance will support the enrollment of young Djiboutians in skills-building programs to prepare them for the jobs of today. Everything we do to support our African partners is aligned with our Department of Defense and Department of State colleagues in the region; the East African Security Forum is an example of how we effectively coordinate our support, said Zana. Obstacles to growth include high electricity costs, chronic water shortages, poor health indicators, food insecurity, and governance challenges. The EARF is the primary security asset fulfilling CJTF-HOAs crisis response mission and is currently comprised of Virginia Army National Guard Soldiers from A Company, 3rd Battalion, 116th Infantry Regiment. "Also, those civilian jobs they have back home sometimes correlate specifically to duties they are assigned here. Follow us. During the deployment, they trained and operated with their Djiboutian partners as well as. "Everything that has been asked of them they have accomplished at an extremely high level. The 404th MEB Soldiers earned their patches while deployed to CJTF-HOA, located at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, the only permanent military base on the African continent. )exports: 0 kWh (2019 est. The military of the United States is deployed in most countries around the world, with between 160,000 to 170,000 of its active-duty personnel stationed outside the United States and its territories. As a newly formed unit, this is the 404th MEBs first deployment. In the energy sector, USAID works to strengthen the enabling environment and regulatory framework, build the capacity of the Office for the Development of Geo-thermal Energy, and support provision of electricity and safe drinking water to Djiboutians without these services. Members of the Wisconsin National Guard's 1967th Contingency Contracting Team at Camp Lemonnier in Djibouti during their recent deployment. The 404th MEB Soldiers earned their patches while deployed to Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa, located at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, the only permanent military base on the African continent. )$501.858 million (31 December 2019 est. Three indirect fire drills were conducted during the deployment. "They are conducting, facilitating and enabling HOA's mission every single day.". "The 196th MEB is the nucleus of Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa," said Maj. Gen. Lapthe Flora, commanding general, CJTF - HOA. We appreciate CJTF-HOA creating this opportunity for colleagues from the State Department, USAID and the Department of Defense to discuss issues related to security and stability in East Africa. The significance of earning the combat patch was not lost on young Soldiers with the MEB. As with any high-stakes responsibilities, practice is key; although, the exercises also offer opportunities for forming and improving relationships with players who would be involved in direct emergency responses. Djibouti is strategically located in the Horn of Africa and is a key U.S. partner on security, regional stability, and humanitarian efforts across the region. Before 2035, Djibouti is expected to finish several major infrastructure projects including: a natural gas pipeline, a liquefaction plant, an export terminal, a geothermal plant, renewable energy projects, and what will be Africas largest free trade zone, the Djibouti International Free Trade Zone. Service members with the Combined Joint Task Force Horn of Africa welcome interagency officials during the 2022 East Africa Security Forum at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, May 11, 2022. The unit provided contracting support services to U.S. forces in the region. The training was conducted as far west as Timbuktu, Mali, with troops and cargo transported by air over 4,800 miles round trip. Most Yemenis remain unregistered and head for Djibouti City rather than seeking asylum at one of Djiboutis three spartan refugee camps. Under operational command of CJTF-HOA, Task Force Red Dragon is comprised of Soldiers with the Virginia Army National Guard, Tennessee Army National Guard, and Kentucky National Guard. "Africa is home to a complex security environment - ripe with opportunity and challenges alike. A 96 is a 96 hour pass to do whatever you like. U.S. assistance supports education, health, workforce development, renewable energy, and civil society development. )crude oil and lease condensate exports: 0 bbl/day (2018 est. Other obstacles to growth include high electricity costs and chronic water shortages, poor health indicators, food insecurity, and governance challenges. )carbon dioxide emissions: 0.62 megatons (2016 est. (PC 413) in the Red Sea near the Sudan Naval Base on 07 July 2022. Eastern Africa, bordering the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea, between Eritrea and Somalia, total: 23,200 sq kmland: 23,180 sq kmwater: 20 sq km, total: 528 kmborder countries (3): Eritrea 125 km; Ethiopia 342 km; Somalia 61 km, territorial sea: 12 nmcontiguous zone: 24 nmexclusive economic zone: 200 nm, coastal plain and plateau separated by central mountains, highest point: Moussa Ali 2,021 mlowest point: Lac Assal -155 mmean elevation: 430 m, potential geothermal power, gold, clay, granite, limestone, marble, salt, diatomite, gypsum, pumice, petroleum, agricultural land: 73.4% (2018 est. "Africa is home to a complex security environment - ripe with opportunity and challenges alike. [3] (Air Force photo by Master Sgt. )$5.182 billion (2020 est. The 404th MEB Soldiers earned their patches while deployed to CJTF-HOA, located at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, the only permanent military base on the African continent. Our relationships are based on shared values and interests in East African security.. Visit the Definitions and Notes page to view a description of each topic. One of the key goals shared by the governments of Djibouti and the United States is to strengthen Djiboutis economy and grow our economic partnership by increasing employment in the Djiboutian workforce. refugees (country of origin): 14,152 (Somalia), 6,518 (Yemen) (mid-year 2022), total population growth rate v. urban population growth rate, 2000-2030, Children under the age of 5 years underweight, School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education), International law organization participation, Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income, Household income or consumption by percentage share, Civil aircraft registration country code prefix, Military and security service personnel strengths, Military equipment inventories and acquisitions, Refugees and internally displaced persons, Center for the Study of Intelligence (CSI). )crude oil and lease condensate imports: 0 bbl/day (2018 est. As of November 2022, Djibouti's active portfolio comprised 20 IDA projects worth about US$457 million. Djiboutis economic growth is hindered by a rapidly expanding workforce that is poorly matched to the economic needs of the country, resulting in high unemployment, and a lack of qualified applicants for jobs in certain sectors. In 2012, a chemical brigade was established as the 404th MEB. Djibouti-Ethiopia: While Djibouti has had significant issues along its border with neighbors such as Somalia and Eritrea, the Ethiopia-Djibouti relationship has been relatively harmonious; diplomatic relations between the two countries were initially established in 1984; historically, there is co-ownership of the Addis Ababa-Djibout railways and acts as a symbol of the healthy bi-lateral partnership between both Ethiopia and Djibouti; in 1991 a Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation was signed by the two countries; Ethiopia uses the Port of Djibouti as a major hub for export and import of goods since 1998; after establishing independence, there have been no major disputes along this border. Debora Patta toured Camp Lemonnier and spoke with military commanders there. The exercise included manoeuvres, flying operations for vertical replenishment, visit and board operations, and communication procedures. (Photo Credit: Senior Airman Kristin Savage), MRC, Pacific Soldier wins MEDCOM Career Counselor of the Year, III Corps, Fort Hood leaders stress readiness, partnership with NATO allies, 'Stryking' towards networked battlefield communications, The long wait is over: Vietnam veteran to receive Medal of Honor, NY Guard Soldiers complete French Desert Commando Course, Arctic Angels equipped with newest extreme cold weather gear, US Army South hosts inaugural Women, Peace, and Security Symposium. . )spirits: 0.14 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est. They worked with a Djiboutian signal company setting up signal equipment. U.S.-DJIBOUTI RELATIONS Strategically located in the Horn of Africa at the mouth of the Red Sea, Djibouti is a key U.S. partner on security, regional stability, and humanitarian efforts across the region. The Djiboutian government is supportive of U.S. interests and proactively promotes countering violent extremism; hosts the only enduring U.S. military presence in Africa at Camp Lemonnier, established by formal agreement in 2003; and provides the U.S. with access to Djiboutis port facilities and airport. ), $1.954 billion (31 December 2017 est. More than 50 members of the Wisconsin Army National Guard's 135th Medical Company return to Fort Hood, Texas, at the end of January from a deployment to multiple locations in the Middle East where they provided medical support to U.S. Service Members and other coalition forces. The United Nations World Food Program is the United States largest food security partner in Djibouti. U.S. Embassy Somali, U.S. forces engage insurgents in support of the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. donates $9 million in weapons, equipment to support the Somali National Army, Somali forces engage al-Shabaab insurgents, FOIA (Freedom of Information Act Requests). . Langley and Thresher toured the base - home to U.S. Africa Command's JIC and 40 percent of the command's analytical workforce - before receiving an operations update and meeting with the personnel assigned there. About eight miles from Camp Lemonnier is a 90-acre plot of land, recently acquired by China. The withdrawal of COVID-19 movement restrictions facilitated Djibouti's economic rebound in 2021 to an estimated 4.3%. ), 4.37 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2023 est. ), Saudi Arabia 42%, India 15%, China 14%, Egypt 5%, South Korea 5% (2019), various animals, chlorides, dried legumes, industrial fatty acids/oils, coffee, chickpeas (2019), $5.483 billion (2021 est.) Members of the 404th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, headquartered in Normal, Illinois, celebrated a milestone in their military careers as they received their combat patch, for military members serving in hostile conditions, March 17, 2022. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. U.S. imports typically transit Djibouti from origin countries farther inland such as Ethiopia. "What worked in the past is not necessarily the best approach today, but we find solutions and work together to continue the mission.". Instability and security concerns exist throughout the globe; it is no different for East Africa where the threat of violent extremist organizations persists. After leaving the Board of Education to deploy overseas with the National Guard last May, Walter L. Morton IV is back in town and ready to return to local service.. On Thursday, Morton was sworn back on to the Board of Education following the resignation of Chris Dauer, another long-term board member. A new program to pioneer early childhood education is also expected to begin in 2023. The United States has supported the Djiboutian governments efforts to combat COVID-19, including donating hundreds of thousands of COVID-19 vaccine doses and providing technical support for vaccine distribution. Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti is the primary base of operations for U.S. Africa Command in the Horn of Africa. The Djiboutian government is supportive of U.S. interests and proactively promotes countering violent extremism; hosts the only enduring U.S. military presence in Africa at Camp Lemonnier, established by formal agreement in 2003; and provides the U.S. with access to Djibouti's port facilities and airport. The visit marks the second time Hershel Woody Williams has made a stop in Tanzania in 2022. The 196th MEB arrived in East Africa in September. In 2022, USAID launched a $10 million civil Djibouti and Eritrea fought a brief border conflict in 2008 society project that aims to promote good governance. Planning for crisis response: personnel recovery professionals collaborate, train for recovery operations. )0.15% (2018 est. ), urban population: 78.6% of total population (2023)rate of urbanization: 1.56% annual rate of change (2020-25 est. Office of the U.S. Trade Representative Country Page )wind: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est. No matter what the MEB did in Africa, there was always one constant: the presence of COVID-19. U.S. exports to Djibouti include vegetable oil, wheat, machinery, and foodstuffs. I'm still puzzling over tomato beer, jackalopes, scotcheroos and so much more, that I'll have to visit and see for myself (in the summer, though! More than 50 US government interagency officials working in more than 10 countries throughout East Africa met together in Djibouti for the 2022 East Africa Security Forum on May 11, 2022. President Biden committed the United States to be the worlds arsenal for vaccines, leading an international and coordinated vaccination effort, and announced that the United States will provide 1.2 billion doses of safe, effective vaccines free of cost to meet global needs and save lives now. "The unit's personnel are integrated across every element of the staff from the command group, every joint directorate, special staff, etc., to include interning with national intelligence agencies," said Col. Deitra Trotter, director of intelligence, CJTF-HOA. Maj. Alan Meyer, senior enlisted leader, 196th MEB. ), lowest 10%: 2.4%highest 10%: 30.9% (2002), revenues: $717 million (2017 est. Additional Resources )from coal and metallurgical coke: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est. ), forest revenues: 0.26% of GDP (2018 est. Djibouti has been hosting refugees and asylum seekers, predominantly Somalis and lesser numbers of Ethiopians and Eritreans, at camps for 20 years, despite lacking potable water, food shortages, and unemployment. ), total petroleum production: 0 bbl/day (2021 est. At each location, the EARF becomes familiar with the environments, facilities, and routes to solidify response plans in case of a crisis. The 404th MEB deployed in support of Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa in early 2022. )$563.976 million (2019 est. "The 196th MEB has brought boundless energy, enthusiasm, team spirit, willingness to learn, grow, and improve daily and made this headquarters and our mission exponentially better. )permanent pasture: 73.3% (2018 est. Principal embassy officials are listed in the Departments Key Officers List. A demonstration of CJTF-HOAs East Africa Response Force was also part of the days event, informing the participants of the response force capabilities to support U.S. interests in East Africa. Kiersten Breunig, 404th MEB Public Affairs. (Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Its a great reminder of our why behind serving and to remember those who came before us. Uganda is amazing!! Have a readied, non-combative force that can respond quickly across the tyranny of distance in Africa. Djibouti enjoys a lucrative role as a landlord. )177.721 (2018 est. That gives the service member the flexibility to work outside of their assigned military job specialty at a very high level. The reoccurring response planning and completion allows the team practice, so they can act quickly and efficiently when called upon. The 196th MEB also trained with Djiboutian partners. In collaboration with Djiboutis national employment agency, the WFD activity supported a major internship program for more than 500 young Djiboutian job seekers, of which more than 26 percent were later hired. In 2022, CJTF-HOA completed four EDREs focusing on US Embassies in South Sudan, Kenya, and Somalia, respectively. ), total: 25,053 (2020 est. Being here in Africa is an honor and Im very proud of it., An official website of the United States government, Members of the 404th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade listen to Maj. Gen. William Zana, commanding general of Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa, after receiving their combat patch, a military milestone earned while serving in hostile conditions, March 17, 2022. The MEB planned exercises, ensuring the EARF was ready to deploy to assist anywhere in Africa. Andrea Polizzi, of Elburn, Illinois, CJTF-HOA and 404th MEB Soldier. A new railroad connecting Djibouti City and Addis Ababa, Ethiopia began operations in early 2018. In addition to policy, strategy and security, the participants were also introduced to other ways U.S. assets could be benefit East Africa. )expenditures: $899.2 million (2017 est. )geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est. The combat patch has been a symbol of military service during combat operations since World War I and continues to serve as an emblem of personal sacrifice. The event brought rescue professionals together to improve the collective capability to save American, allied and partner nation lives. )exports of goods and services: 38.6% (2017 est. They work long days as a team to benefit the African people and other service members and they do it without complaint and with little recognition. )subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 3 (2020 est. CAMP LEMONNIER, Djibouti - Rear Adm. Brad Collins, commander of Navy Region Europe, Africa, Central (EURAFCENT), toured Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti (CLDJ), surveying the Command's unique. Red strands for liberation, and the green demotes prosperity. ), total: 46.02 deaths/1,000 live birthsmale: 53.12 deaths/1,000 live birthsfemale: 38.71 deaths/1,000 live births (2023 est. ), widespread lack of access: due to unfavorable weather and high food prices - about 192,000 people are estimated to be experiencing acute food insecurity between July and December 2022 mainly due to insufficient rains in 2021 and 2022, which affected rangelands and pastoral livelihoods, and high food prices (2022), municipal solid waste generated annually: 114,997 tons (2002 est. )33.7% of GDP (2016 est. note: data are in current year dollars$4.764 billion (2019 est. Resources for AFRICOM personnel assigned to RAF Molesworth, U.K. Office of Security Cooperation in-processing, Sexual Harassment/Assault Response Prevention. the CAF has nearly 1,400 military personnel forward deployed for NATO air, land, and sea missions in the European theater, including up to 650 troops in Latvia and 140 in Romania (2022) The contingent is commanded by Colonel Osman Doubad. USS Hershel Woody Williams crew spends Christmas in Tanzania. Formal diplomatic relations between the United States and Republic of Djibouti began in 1977, following independence from France. ), production: 0 metric tons (2020 est. )imports: 0 cubic meters (2021 est. This deployment allows for an opportunity to take a 96 if you are deployed for more than 179 days. ), general assessment: Djibouti remains one of the last bastions where the national telco has a monopoly on all telecom services, including fixed lines, mobile, internet, and broadband; despite the country benefiting from its location as a hub for international submarine cables, prices for telecom services remain relatively high, and out of reach for a number of customers, weighing on market advancement; the Djibouti government is aiming to sell a minority stake in the incumbent telco (retaining some control of decisions) while securing the financial backing and the management acumen of a foreign operator; this is part of a larger plan to modernize the countrys economy more generally; the state expects to conduct a sale of up to 40% of the company to an international investor by the end 2022 (2022)domestic: about 4 per 100 fixed-line teledensity and nearly 44 per 100 mobile-cellular; Djibouti Telecom (DT) is the sole provider of telecommunications services and utilizes mostly a microwave radio relay network; fiber-optic cable is installed in the capital; rural areas connected via wireless local loop radio systems; mobile cellular coverage is primarily limited to the area in and around Djibouti city (2020)international: country code - 253; landing points for the SEA-ME-WE-3 & 5, EASSy, Aden-Djibouti, Africa-1, DARE-1, EIG, MENA, Bridge International, PEACE Cable, and SEACOMfiber-optic submarine cable systems providing links to Asia, the Middle East, Europe,Southeast Asia, Australiaand Africa; satellite earth stations - 2 (1 Intelsat - Indian Ocean and 1 Arabsat) (2019)note: the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a significant impact on production and supply chains globally; since 2020, some aspects of the telecom sector have experienced a downturn, particularly in mobile device production; progress toward 5G implementation has resumed, as well as upgrades to infrastructure; consumer spending on telecom services has increased due to the surge in demand for capacity and bandwidth; the crucial nature of telecom services as a tool for work and school from home is still evident, and the spike in this area has seen growth opportunities for development of new tools and increased services, state-owned Radiodiffusion-Television de Djibouti operates the sole terrestrial TV station, as well as the only 2 domestic radio networks; no private TV or radio stations; transmissions of several international broadcasters are available (2019), total: 582,921 (2020 est.