Djibouti’s Leader Slams UAE’s $110B African Push as Cover for Military Ambitions

Djibouti’s veteran leader delivered a scathing assessment of UAE policies during an exclusive interview published Friday.

President Ismaïl Omar Guelleh accused the Emirates of destabilizing East Africa through what he termed “backroom deals backed with sacks of cash.” The 77-year-old president spoke from his palace as missiles crisscross Red Sea skies above his strategically positioned nation.

His words carry weight beyond diplomatic protocol. Djibouti hosts military bases from five world powers while maintaining its role as Africa’s premier logistics hub. Guelleh’s accusations target the UAE’s unprecedented African expansion.

The Gulf state pumped $110 billion into the continent between 2019 and 2023, making it Africa’s largest investor. This figure dwarfs China’s commitments by three times, establishing the UAE as the fourth-largest global investor across Africa.

The investment surge masks deeper strategic calculations. The UAE operates through state-controlled giants like DP World and AD Ports Group to secure port concessions encircling Africa.

These companies control strategic locations from Algeria’s Mediterranean terminals to Angola’s Atlantic ports and Kenya’s Indian Ocean facilities. Guelleh knows UAE tactics firsthand.

Djibouti nationalized its DP World-operated port in 2018 after claiming unfavorable contract terms. The dispute continues in international courts, with DP World winning recent rulings but losing operational control.

The president declared he sees “no sign” of potential reconciliation with the Emirates. The UAE’s strategy extends beyond economics into military affairs.

The Emirates maintains bases in Chad, Eritrea, Libya, and Somalia while providing weapons training across the region. Recent UN reports document multiple cargo flights from the UAE to Chad, where arms allegedly flow to Sudan’s paramilitary forces fighting a brutal civil war.

Trade statistics reveal the UAE’s growing stranglehold. Non-energy commerce between the Emirates and Africa tripled from $20 billion in 2012 to $60 billion in 2022.

Guelleh Sounds Alarm on UAE’s Expanding Influence in Africa

The UAE holds $60 billion in foreign direct investment stock across the continent, positioning itself as an indispensable trade partner. Guelleh described UAE methods during African Union elections as systematic corruption.

He stated the Emiratis “think everything has a price” while attempting to influence continental leadership through financial incentives. His former foreign minister won the AU Commission presidency only after countering Emirati interference across five voting rounds.

The president’s warnings highlight a troubling pattern. While the UAE brings capital and infrastructure expertise, it demands political compliance and strategic access in return.

African governments gain immediate investment but surrender long-term strategic autonomy to a small but wealthy nation seeking global influence. This transactional approach creates new dependencies across Africa.

The UAE’s support for various armed groups has prolonged conflicts in Libya and Sudan. Its agricultural land acquisitions in Sudan and Ethiopia displace local communities while serving Emirati food security needs.

Guelleh’s assessment reflects broader concerns about Gulf state expansion. The UAE’s African strategy represents calculated commercial imperialism designed to secure resources, trade routes, and geopolitical influence.

This approach delivers short-term economic benefits but risks creating lasting strategic vulnerabilities for African nations. The Djibouti leader’s stark warning comes as regional tensions escalate.

His nation maintains relative stability while neighbors face mounting crises. Yet even this strategic haven feels pressure from UAE expansion tactics that prioritize Emirati interests over African sovereignty.