Timeline of Djibouti

Chronology

8 events spanning the history of Djibouti. BCE/CE dating.

1. 1892

   Djibouti becomes capital of French Somaliland.

   Djibouti becomes capital of French Somaliland.

2. 1897

   Ethiopia acquires parts of Djibouti after signing a treaty with France.

   Ethiopia acquires parts of Djibouti after signing a treaty with France.

3. 1946

   Djibouti made an overseas territory within the French Union.

   Djibouti made an overseas territory within the French Union with its own legislature and representation in the French parliament.

4. 1958

   Djibouti votes to join the French Community.

   Djibouti votes to join the French Community.

5. 1967

   Afar people and Europeans vote to remain part of the French Community.

   Referendum takes place during which Afar people and Europeans vote to remain part of the French Community; French Somaliland renamed the French Territory of the Afars and the Issas.

6. 1977

   The electorate voted for independence.

   The electorate voted for independence in a May 1977 referendum. The Republic of Djibouti was established on June 27, 1977, and Hassan Gouled Aptidon became the country’s first president.

7. 1992

   The constitution permitted the legalization of four political parties for a period of 10 years.

   The constitution permitted the legalization of four political parties for a period of 10 years, after which a complete multiparty system would be installed.

8. 2008

   Fighting breaks out between Djiboutian and Eritrean troops.

   Fighting breaks out between Djiboutian and Eritrean troops in the disputed Ras Doumeira border area.