# Independence of Djibouti (1977)

URL: https://allhistories.com/somalia/timeline/1977-independence-of-djibouti
Location: Djibouti
Themes: main-event

Djibouti, the former French Somaliland, was one of the five territories of the Somali people represented by the five-pointed star on the Somali flag. Its population was divided between Somali Issa and other Somali clans and the Afar. In referendums in 1958 and 1967, held under heavy French influence, voters chose to remain linked to France, and Somalia had long campaigned for the territory's liberation. After a third referendum in May 1977, in which an overwhelming majority voted for independence, the territory became the Republic of Djibouti on 27 June 1977. Hassan Gouled Aptidon, an Issa Somali politician, became its first president, with a French garrison remaining under a defence agreement. Somalia quickly recognised the new state, abandoning its formal claim, while Ethiopia accepted its independence because Djibouti's port and railway were vital to Ethiopian trade. Djibouti's independence removed one of the 'lost' Somali territories from the pan-Somali agenda but also showed that Somali unification would not come peacefully. Weeks later Somalia launched its invasion of the Ogaden. Djibouti later played a significant role in Somali affairs as a mediator, notably hosting the reconciliation conferences of 1991 and the Arta conference of 2000. At this point in the timeline (27 June 1977), the President of Somalia was Siad Barre (21 October 1969 – 26 January 1991).

## Why it matters
Djibouti's independence as a separate state marked the limits of the Greater Somalia dream and created an important Somali neighbour and mediator.

Ruler at the Time: [Siad Barre](https://allhistories.com/somalia/rulers/siad-barre)

## Sources
- [Wikipedia — Djibouti](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Djibouti)
- [Encyclopaedia Britannica — Djibouti independence 1977](https://www.britannica.com/search?query=Djibouti+independence+1977)
- [BBC News — Somalia profile](https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-14094503)
- [Wikipedia — Siad Barre'S Democratic Republic (period overview)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Somali_Democratic_Republic)