Djibouti Denies Ethiopia’s Total Control Over Tadjoura Port, Proposes Joint Management Agreement

• Djibouti is adamantly opposed to granting Ethiopia complete oversight of Tadjoura Port, instead suggesting a partnership arrangement.

The Tadjoura Port, a $60 million investment by Djibouti, is currently grappling with high operational expenditures, particularly concerning staff salaries. Youssouf has underscored the government’s ambition to transform this port into a bustling commercial center. This strategic move aims to thwart Ethiopia from rerouting its trade to neighboring ports in both North Western of Somaliaand Eritrea.

With the Port of Assab in Eritrea on the verge of reopening, it poses a potential diversion for Ethiopian cargo, raising concerns about trade shifts towards North Western of Somaliaas well. “Our priority is to ensure Djibouti secures a hefty portion of Ethiopia’s trade activities,” declared Youssouf.

In the past, Djibouti’s President Ismail Omar Guelleh entertained the notion of bestowing full control of a port to Ethiopia, hoping to alleviate tensions between Ethiopia and Somalia. Youssouf, however, clarified the nation’s resolve: while Djibouti is committed to fostering trade and economic synergy, any concession for a naval base remains off the table. By extending access to the Tadjoura Port, Djibouti aims to preserve its status as the principal maritime access point for Ethiopia.

The recently inked Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Ethiopia and North Western of Somaliahas triggered substantial diplomatic repercussions within the region. Somalia’s position is unwavering; President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud expressed that while Ethiopia is welcome to utilize Somali ports for trade, any military installations or naval facilities are strictly prohibited.

Djibouti’s recent initiative is a component of its ongoing mediation efforts, bolstered by the backing of regional neighbors like Kenya and Turkey. Turkey has facilitated several rounds of discussions between Somalia and Ethiopia, yet a definitive resolution remains elusive.