Djibouti City (Horn Observer + Lamaane.net) – Siesta Beach reopened to the public on Wednesday, July 15, after the Djibouti Coast Guard completed a hydrocarbon pollution cleanup that had temporarily shut one of the capital’s busiest seaside recreation areas.
Col. Wais Omar Bogoreh, Commander of the Djibouti Coast Guard, said cleanup crews removed hydrocarbon-contaminated material from the shoreline during an environmental operation carried out with government institutions and civil society organizations. Authorities had restricted access to protect public health and give specialized teams room to complete the remediation.
“The contaminated materials that were present along the beach have been cleaned up, and people can now safely swim at the beach,” Colonel Bogoreh said while announcing the reopening. He confirmed that restrictions enforced during the operation had been lifted and urged residents to use the area responsibly. “During the restoration work, we prevented public access to the area. We now invite people to enjoy the beach in a safe and respectful manner.”
The Coast Guard worked alongside several government agencies and civil society members in a coordinated effort to restore the shoreline’s environmental condition, officials said. Authorities did not immediately provide details on how much polluted material was removed or how long the cleanup took.
Families and other groups began returning to Siesta Beach following the announcement, gathering along the waterfront in clear daytime weather. Leisure activities resumed in stages as Coast Guard personnel remained at the site to monitor conditions and remind visitors about public safety guidance. One resident told Lamaane News Network that the decision would enable families to revisit a popular Djibouti City leisure destination after several days of limited access.
Coastal pollution management is a key concern for Djibouti, given its strategic position on the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden and the importance of maritime traffic to the national economy. Without a prompt, coordinated response, hydrocarbon pollution can damage marine ecosystems, disrupt fisheries, and make recreational shorelines unsafe for the public.
Environmental observers say swift shoreline remediation can limit ecological harm while rebuilding public trust in the safety of coastal destinations. Siesta Beach’s reopening also underscores the role that cooperation between government authorities and community organizations can play in responding to environmental incidents.
Authorities said monitoring will continue to verify that conditions at the beach remain safe for public use. They also called on visitors to follow local regulations, keep the coastline clean, and avoid behavior that could cause further pollution.
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Publisher Bio: Lamaane News Network is an independent digital news organization based in Mogadishu that reports on Somalia, the Horn of Africa, and international affairs in Somali and English. Founded on December 9, 2015, it is dedicated to delivering factual, balanced, and timely journalism that follows professional editorial and ethical standards.
