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How a tiny African country became the world’s key military base

How a tiny African country became the world’s key military base

As the former colonial power, France still has one of its largest concentration of its overseas forces stationed in Djibouti. After the terrorist attacks of 9/11, the United States also established Camp Lemonnier—its only permanent military installation in Africa—in order to combat terrorist threats in Yemen and the Horn of Africa. Japan’s only foreign military base is also based in the capital Djibouti and is now set for expansion as a counterweight to China’s increasing influence. The Italians also have their own base, while troops from Germany and Spain are hosted by the French. Analysts say Djibouti’s geostrategic location and its stability in a volatile region has made it an important playground for world powers. Yet Djibouti could be walking a fine line between neutrality and opportunism, says analysts. –Quartz/

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