Introduction and Context
Djibouti, despite its strategic position as a global trade and military hub, struggles with widespread poverty that affects the majority of its population. While foreign powers and international companies profit from Djibouti’s ports and location, ordinary citizens face unemployment, high living costs, and limited opportunities.

For many Djiboutians, poverty leaves them with no choice but to migrate, either within the region or across dangerous routes toward Europe and the Middle East. This article examines the causes of poverty in Djibouti, its social impact, and how it fuels migration.


Structural Causes of Poverty
Several structural issues drive poverty in Djibouti:

- Economic inequality: Revenue from ports and foreign bases is concentrated in the hands of the elite, leaving little benefit for the wider population.
- High unemployment: Youth unemployment is particularly severe, with limited job creation outside of the informal economy.
- High cost of living: Food and fuel prices are disproportionately high due to dependence on imports.
- Weak public services: Education and healthcare are underfunded, limiting opportunities for upward mobility.

These conditions perpetuate cycles of poverty that trap families across generations.


Social Consequences
Poverty has devastating effects on society. Malnutrition, poor access to healthcare, and lack of education are widespread among low-income communities. Families struggle to survive in urban slums where water and electricity are unreliable.

For young people, poverty brings hopelessness and frustration. With few employment opportunities, many turn to migration, crime, or risky informal work. Women and girls are particularly vulnerable, facing early marriage, exploitation, and exclusion from education.

The gap between Djibouti’s wealthy elite and its impoverished majority deepens social divisions and resentment.


Migration Pressures
Widespread poverty has made Djibouti both a country of origin and a transit point for migration. Many Djiboutians seek work in neighbouring Ethiopia, Somalia, or the Gulf states, while others attempt perilous journeys toward Europe.

Djibouti’s strategic location means it also hosts migrants from across the Horn of Africa, creating additional pressures on its fragile economy and services. Refugee and migrant camps are overcrowded, and opportunities remain scarce.

For many citizens, leaving Djibouti is seen as the only chance for survival or advancement, despite the dangers of migration routes.


Solutions and Conclusion
Addressing Djibouti’s poverty crisis requires both domestic reform and international responsibility. Unless opportunities are expanded, migration will remain a desperate necessity for many.

Key steps include:
- Fair distribution of wealth: ensure revenues from ports and military bases benefit citizens through investments in services.
- Job creation: promote industries beyond logistics, such as renewable energy, fishing, and small enterprises.
- Improved public services: invest in quality education, healthcare, and social protection.
- Youth empowerment: provide training and entrepreneurship opportunities to reduce unemployment.
- International support: encourage fair partnerships that prioritise development for Djiboutians.

Without urgent action, widespread poverty will continue to force migration, leaving Djibouti’s citizens trapped between hardship at home and peril abroad.