Action in Support of Djibouti Armed Forces

This action is funded by the European Peace Facility of the European Union.

Assistance measure in the framework of the European Peace Facility to support the Djibouti Armed Forces

Objectives and Challenges

The aim of this assistance measure is to strengthen the overall capabilities of Djibouti’s armed forces in order to safeguard Djibouti’s sovereignty and rights in accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea; to enhance security in the Red Sea and to protect maritime communication lines, merchant ships and maritime resources, as well as coastal populations and their livelihoods, against maritime crises.

To achieve this objective, the assistance measure funds the acquisition of equipment in the following domains, which are not designed to deliver lethal force:

• The implementation of a resilience plan for the patrol vessels, through the provision of training in naval education and equipment for specialised workshops, as well as the restoration of part of the Djiboutian maritime assets;
• A coastal surveillance station including functional intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance assets and a mooring box;
• Rapid intervention assets for the Djiboutian Navy.

Project overview

The European Union and Djibouti have a long-standing partnership, rooted in the context of the crisis in the Red Sea, which necessitates the maintenance of maritime security in the region. On 24 October 2023, the Council adopted conclusions endorsing the revised EU maritime security strategy and its action plan, which set out the framework enabling the Union to step up its efforts to safeguard its interests at sea and protect its citizens, values and economy, whilst promoting international rules and full compliance with international instruments, in particular the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

On 8 January 2025, the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy received a request from Djibouti for the Union to assist the Djibouti armed forces in acquiring equipment, infrastructure and services essential for strengthening the capabilities of their navy. On 25 July 2025, the Council adopted an assistance measure aimed at strengthening security and defence cooperation between the Union and Djibouti through the development of the overall capabilities of the Djibouti armed forces.