Araweelo News Network Associated Online Agencies
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Hargeisa / Djibouti City (ANN) — A newly circulated strategic report by the Parti Démocrate Djiboutien (PADD) has raised alarm over what it describes as a potential transfer of key national assets in Djibouti to China by 2027.
The report, addressed to both the Djiboutian public and international stakeholders—including the African Union, United Nations, and Arab League—warns of significant geopolitical and economic implications tied to the country’s growing debt exposure.
Debt Pressure and Strategic Dependence
According to the report, more than half of Djibouti’s external debt is owed to China, particularly through the Export-Import Bank of China. This aligns with previous findings by institutions such as the International Monetary Fund, which has classified Djibouti as facing a high risk of debt distress.
Large-scale infrastructure projects financed by Chinese loans—such as the Addis Ababa–Djibouti Railway and expansions at the Doraleh Multipurpose Port—have significantly reshaped the country’s economic landscape. However, critics argue that these projects have also increased financial vulnerability.
Claims of Planned Asset Transfers
The PADD report alleges that the Djiboutian government may consider transferring control or ownership of strategic infrastructure—including ports and airports—in exchange for debt restructuring or relief by 2027.
Among the assets mentioned are:
Djibouti’s main commercial ports
Ambouli International Airport
The report draws comparisons to the case of Hambantota Port in Sri Lanka, where a Chinese firm secured a long-term lease following debt renegotiations.
Government Position and Verification
As of now, there has been no official confirmation from the government of Djibouti regarding any agreement to transfer ownership of national infrastructure.
Analysts note that while debt negotiations are ongoing globally, claims of asset transfers often emerge in politically sensitive contexts and should be treated with caution unless independently verified.
Geostrategic Implications
Djibouti occupies a critical position near the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait, a key maritime route linking global trade between Europe, Asia, and Africa.
The country also hosts multiple foreign military bases, including those operated by:
The United States
France
Japan
China
Any shift in control over ports or airports could have implications for regional security, logistics, and international military operations.
Call for Transparency
The report urges:
Greater transparency in public debt agreements
Parliamentary oversight of strategic asset decisions
International engagement to ensure economic stability
Observers emphasize that Djibouti’s long-term stability will depend on balancing infrastructure development with sustainable debt management and sovereign control.
Conclusion
While the report highlights legitimate concerns about debt dependency and strategic influence, its claims regarding a definitive transfer of assets by 2027 remain unverified. The situation underscores the broader challenges faced by developing economies navigating large-scale infrastructure financing in a competitive geopolitical environment.
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By Arraale M Jama Freelance Journalist and Human Rights
activist.