The Council of Ministers of Djibouti has approved a new Franco-Djiboutian defense agreement, set to be submitted to Parliament for ratification. The treaty, valid from 2025 to 2045, includes a notable provision for France to return 40% of the Héron islet to Djibouti by 2026. It also stipulates an increased annual compensation from France, now set at €85 million.

In contrast to previous practice, where such agreements were adopted by presidential decree, this defense cooperation treaty will, for the first time, be submitted to national elected representatives for approval—reportedly at France’s request.

Signed in Paris on July 24, 2024, by French President Emmanuel Macron and Djiboutian President Ismail Omar Guelleh, the treaty replaces the previous 2011 agreement (in force since 2014). It outlines the legal status and operational privileges of French forces stationed in Djibouti and details the bilateral cooperation framework.

Key provisions include:

• Military and Security Cooperation: France commits to supporting the integrity of Djibouti’s territory and participating in the policing of its airspace and territorial waters.
• Support for Djiboutian Forces: France will assist with training, equipment, and military healthcare expertise.
• Legal and Fiscal Protections: French personnel will benefit from exclusive disciplinary jurisdiction, exemption from Djiboutian social security contributions, and tax-free residence.
• Military Operations and Installations: French forces will retain operational mobility throughout Djibouti, and their facilities will remain inviolable. Djibouti has pledged not to transfer ownership of these sites to third-party states.
• Strategic Dialogue and Threat Monitoring: A permanent alert mechanism and joint strategic committee are established for regional threat assessments and security coordination.
• Medical Assistance: France will provide civil-military medical aid and permit its medical professionals to operate in Djibouti for both French and Djiboutian forces, as well as, in exceptional cases, civilians.
• Financial Agreement: The updated treaty includes a financial annex specifying the €85 million annual contribution by France, which will be free of all local taxes and levies. The terms for its disbursement are clearly outlined.

The treaty is set for automatic renewal in 2045 unless either party chooses to terminate it with 12 months’ notice. A mid-term review is scheduled, along with a comprehensive assessment in the 19th year.

The agreement reaffirms the strategic importance of Djibouti in France’s regional security framework and underscores deep-rooted bilateral ties rooted in defense, language, and mutual interest.