Djibouti’s President Slams UAE

Djibouti’s President, Ismail Omar Guelleh, has sharply criticized the United Arab Emirates, accusing it of exploiting its multi-billion dollar investments in Africa as a cover for military expansion.

In a recent interview with Radio France Internationale, President Guelleh described the UAE’s $110 billion investment campaign across the continent as a strategic maneuver to expand military influence under the guise of economic development.

“The Emiratis are seriously destabilizing the region,” he said.

The president’s comments indicate growing concern in parts of Africa about the dual nature of foreign investments, particularly in critical infrastructure sectors such as ports, logistics, and telecommunications.

“These investments are not purely economic projects, but are intertwined with military objectives that threaten the sovereignty and stability of African countries,” he said.

He revealed that Djibouti had previously rejected a request from the UAE to establish a military base on its territory, adding that, following this rejection, the UAE turned its efforts to neighboring countries, seeking a strategic foothold along major maritime routes.

Djibouti, located at the mouth of the Red Sea, hosts military bases belonging to several global powers, including the United States, France, China, and Japan.