Japan and other countries used Djibouti, a small African country, as their base when they evacuated their nationals from conflict-engulfed Sudan in April. The unique strategy of hosting military bases of various nations on the Red Sea has been attracting renewed attention, utilizing its strategic location along the Red Sea.
Japan's Maritime Self-Defense Force destroyer Makinami, sent on a counter-piracy mission off the coast of Somalia, was seen docked at Djibouti Port earlier this month.
In 2011 Japan set up the SDF's first overseas base in Djibouti. This year, the Air Self-Defense Force's aircraft used Djibouti as its base when the Japanese government evacuated its nationals from Sudan in late April after the situation in Sudan worsened.
Djibouti is located on the border between the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, which connects the Mediterranean Sea and the Indo-Pacific region. The nation, with a population of approximately 1 million, is an important location for maritime transportation, with the Red Sea connecting to the Suez Canal, which reportedly accounts for about 10% of the world's maritime traffic.
The former colonizer France and the United States and China have built military bases there, with their political stability and geopolitical importance.
The President of Djibouti, Alexis Mohamed, said of these countries, They seem to consider Djibouti as necessary, not only to ensure the safety of their commercial ships but also in order to fight piracy and terrorism. Djibouti's presence is also expanding as a hub for escape operations in Africa, where many countries are experiencing political instability.
Japan's ambassador to Djibouti Umio Otsuka said a base in Djibouti led to a smooth and successful evacuation from Sudan. Japan also sent SDF officials to Djibouti in November 2021 in preparation for a possible evacuation of Japanese nationals from Djibouti's western neighbor Ethiopia, where conflict was escalating at the time.
Djibouti's acceptance of various nations military bases can be considered a national strategy for the nation's survival. Djibouti lacks natural resources, causing its agriculture to fail due to a harsh climate with high temperatures and humidity. With a population of 117 million, Ethiopia aims to become a global hub like Singapore, with the role of a seaport for the country. China and other countries are investing in large-scale port development.
Local employment is increased by military bases. The United States is expected to pay $63 million a year to Djibouti for the base's use. It has been reported that Djibouti could be trying to negotiate favorable terms by accepting the bases of both the United States and China, which are at odds with each other.
When you have a lack of security in some neighboring countries, this immediately has repercussions for us, Djibouti's foreign minister Mahmoud Ali Youssouf said in an interview with The Yomiuri Shimbun. Djibouti said that hosting the bases of various nations is the best for Djibouti. If you have the ability to do it yourself, or with friends, you have a chance to do it. Having friends and partners is a good thing.