United States–Djibouti Military Partnership

Few countries in the world host as many competing global military powers as Djibouti, making it a geopolitical hotspot at the crossroads of Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. The U.S. established Camp Lemonnier in 2002, transforming it into the largest U.S. military base in Africa—a hub for counterterrorism missions in Somalia and Yemen, intelligence operations, and naval patrols securing the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. However, with China’s growing military footprint in Djibouti, U.S. forces now find themselves operating just miles from Beijing’s first overseas military base, making Djibouti a key arena in great-power competition.

History

• Post-9/11 Expansion (2001–2003): The U.S. established Camp Lemonnier to support counterterrorism operations in Somalia and Yemen.
• Strategic Defense Agreement (2014): The U.S. signed a renewed 20-year lease for Camp Lemonnier, expanding its logistics, intelligence, and drone capabilities.
• Ongoing Regional Security Efforts (2014–Present): U.S. forces in Djibouti support operations against al-Shabaab, ISIS, and Houthi threats, while also ensuring freedom of navigation through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.

Key Characteristics

• Camp Lemonnier & U.S. Military Presence: Hosts 4,000+ U.S. troops and serves as the primary U.S. operational base in Africa. Supports drone operations, naval security, and rapid response missions.
• Counterterrorism & Special Operations: U.S. forces conduct counterterrorism missions against al-Shabaab in Somalia and ISIS-affiliated groups in Africa. Djibouti provides a key launch point for U.S. Special Operations Forces (SOF) and drone strikes in the region.
• Naval & Maritime Security: U.S. Navy patrols secure the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a chokepoint for global trade and military logistics. Djibouti plays a role in anti-piracy and maritime interdiction operations.

Strategic Importance

• Gateway Between Africa & the Middle East: Djibouti’s location enables U.S. power projection into Africa, the Red Sea, and the Arabian Peninsula.
• Securing Global Trade Routes: U.S. forces protect vital shipping lanes from piracy and militant threats.
• Countering Chinese & Russian Influence: Djibouti also hosts China’s first overseas military base, increasing U.S.-China strategic competition in the region.

Links

• Camp Lemonnier & U.S. Military Operations
• U.S.-Djibouti Defense Agreement (2014)
• Maritime Security & Red Sea Operations