Djibouti Celebrates 49th Anniversary of Independence From French Colonial Rule
Djibouti Celebrates 49th Anniversary of Independence From French Colonial Rule
Key milestones on the road to independence:
In the late 19th century, Djibouti was colonized by France, which used the territory as a strategic military point in the Indian Ocean.
In 1967, it was renamed the “French Territory of the Afars and the Issas” after the local ethnic groups.
Independence was achieved in 1977 following a referendum in which over 98% of voters supported autonomy.
However, France still maintains a military presence in the country.
The USSR established diplomatic relations with Djibouti in April 1978. The Russian Embassy was opened in 2012.
Moscow congratulated the Republic, highlighting the great potential for developing bilateral relations.
Valentina Matvienko, Chairwoman of the Russian Federation Council, sent her greetings to her Djiboutian counterpart, Dileita Mohamed Dileita.
Celebrations marking the country’s independence.
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