Introduction and Context
Although Djibouti is often seen as a relatively stable country in the Horn of Africa, religious practice is heavily regulated by the state. While Islam is the dominant religion and is recognised in the constitution, freedom of religion is tightly constrained. The government maintains significant control over religious institutions, leaders, and activities, limiting space for independent religious expression.

This article explores how the government exerts control over religion in Djibouti, the implications for minority faiths, and the broader impact on civil liberties.


Historical and Political Background
Since independence in 1977, Djibouti’s ruling elite has used religion both as a tool of legitimacy and as a mechanism of control. Islam is enshrined as the state religion, and religious leaders are closely tied to political structures.

The Ministry of Islamic Affairs oversees mosques, sermons, and clerical appointments, ensuring that religious practice aligns with state interests. Alternative religious voices or independent clerics are often silenced, particularly if they criticise government policies.

This approach centralises authority and prevents religion from serving as an independent sphere of civic life.


Restrictions on Religious Freedom
The government employs a range of measures to control religious practice:

- Monitoring of sermons: Friday sermons are regulated, and imams are expected to follow approved talking points.
- Clerical appointments: Religious leaders must be authorised by the state, limiting independent voices.
- Restrictions on minority faiths: Non-Muslim communities, while tolerated, face barriers to building places of worship and practising openly.
- Suppression of dissent: Clerics who criticise government corruption or social injustice risk arrest or removal from their posts.

These controls severely limit the freedom of belief and expression.


Consequences for Society
The state’s control over religion undermines both civil liberties and social trust. Citizens are denied the right to practise faith freely, while minority groups feel marginalised. Religious leaders who might otherwise promote accountability or peacebuilding are co-opted into supporting government agendas.

This suppression stifles diversity and silences potential voices for reform. It also leaves Djibouti vulnerable to extremist narratives, as state control creates frustration among communities seeking more authentic religious engagement.

Internationally, Djibouti faces criticism for failing to uphold human rights commitments, including freedom of religion.


Solutions and Conclusion
For Djibouti to strengthen its democracy and protect human rights, it must reduce state control over religion and allow genuine religious freedom.

Key steps include:
- Guaranteeing religious freedom: uphold constitutional rights to belief and practice for all faiths.
- Independent religious leadership: allow clerics to operate without state interference.
- Equal treatment of minority religions: remove barriers for non-Muslim communities to practise openly.
- Dialogue: foster interfaith initiatives that build tolerance and counter extremism.
- International accountability: encourage partners to press Djibouti on religious freedom alongside security cooperation.

Until reforms are enacted, religious practice in Djibouti will remain tightly controlled, limiting both diversity and fundamental freedoms.