Djibouti receives 40% of Heron Island naval base from France
Djibouti's interim defense minister accepted the keys to the naval base installations from the French ambassador.
Djibouti has taken back 40% of the Heron Island naval base, with interim Defense Minister Omar Abdi Said receiving the keys from French Ambassador Jérôme Bresson on March 11, 2026. The handover occurred at the general staff headquarters of the armed forces, attended by Chief of Staff General Zakaria Cheick Ibrahim.
This transfer aligns with the defense cooperation treaty between France and Djibouti and follows joint technical studies by the French forces stationed in Djibouti and the Djiboutian army. A financing agreement signed at the ceremony will fund infrastructure projects to boost the Djiboutian army's operational capabilities.
The defense relationship, strengthened since the treaty's signing on July 24, 2024, saw its first strategic dialogue on June 11, 2026. This dialogue resulted in a two-year partnership plan for 2026-2028.
Why it mattersDjibouti's military capabilities are being enhanced through French cooperation and infrastructure projects.