Djibouti benefits from presence of CJTF – HOA

Story by U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Brett Hart

CJTF – HOA Strategic Communications

CAMP LEMONIER, Djibouti  (January 23, 2007 ) -- Col. Maj. Abdourahman Aden Cher, Head of the Djiboutian Navy. (Photo by U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Marian Popescue) (Large Image.   Hi-Res Image.)

CAMP LEMONIER, Djibouti – Col. Maj. Abdourahman Aden Cher has served more than 30 years in his nation’s military, rising to his current post of Commander for the Djibouti Navy.  During that time, he has seen a lot of change in his country. One beneficial change according to Col. Maj. Cher is the presence of Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa.

“My personal opinion is that [CJTF – HOA’s] presence is positive on the economy and safety,” he said.  “It has helped to elevate Djibouti to a certain stature in the world.”

According to Col. Maj. Cher, Djibouti has conducted training with the United States, to include boarding and searching techniques and port security training.  A recent example of this exchange was on Jan. 14 when the Djibouti Navy conducted training with the U.S. Coast Guard.

This training is tied to the Government of Djibouti’s goal to fight poverty and to maintain safety, said Col. Maj. Cher. The Port of Djibouti is of great economic importance to the Djiboutian people and requires close security.
“The port is a source of income through its taxes,” said Col. Maj. Cher.  “People in small boats try to smuggle goods ashore through bypassing the port in order to avoid paying taxes. Illegal fishing used to be the main concern, but now contraband is the main focus. Antiterrorism awareness is also a priority.”

The Djibouti Navy has the naval capability to accomplish needed tasks and to secure the port, said Col. Maj. Cher. 

“Our goal is to create a safe area to attract world investors and to provide safety and security for the commercial and military ships which use the port,” said Col. Maj. Cher. “All the people in Djibouti recognize that the wealth of Djibouti comes from the sea and that protection of fishing grounds is of prime importance.”

The Djiboutian Navy, launched two years after Djibouti gained its independence in 1977, was originally a part of the Gendarmerie, which was used mainly for port safety and traffic monitoring.  In 1986, the French Navy donated two patrol boats and that portion of the Gendarmerie became the Navy.  Between 1989 and 2001, Djibouti tripled the size of its Navy. In June 2006, the United States donated four additional boats. 

The Djiboutian Navy, currently staffed with around 300 personnel including 23 officers, is discussing future needs with U.S. naval personnel, said Col. Maj. Cher.
The mission of CJTF-HOA is to prevent conflict, promote regional stability and protect Coalition interests in order to prevail against extremism.  The CJTF-HOA organization began operations at Camp Lemonier, Djibouti May 13, 2003.  With the help of many from Djibouti, it works with Partner nations on humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, consequence management, civic action programs to include medical and veterinary care, school and medical clinic construction and water development projects.

Source; CJTF-HOA, Jan 31, 2007