Djibouti is small but strategically important, controlling the narrow isthmus between the Horn of Africa and Yemen at the southern end of the Red Sea. It is a crucial base for Washington's post-September 11th "war on terrorism" and has hosted 1,500 US troops here since late 2002. It is also the home of France's biggest overseas military base, with 2,800 troops.
In May, shortly after several Western countries including the United States said Djibouti was at risk of terrorist attacks, Doualeh Wais announced that every possible measure would be taken to eliminate threats to its territory. Though high-level Djibouti officials have said, on condition of anonymity, that the move to push out illegal immigrants was prompted by security concerns linked to the US presence in the country, Washington has vigorously denied it had anything to do with the operation at any level.
According to the interior ministry, the 70,000 figure announced includes people who crossed the three border posts of Loyada into Somalia, and Guelile or Galafi into Ethiopia. On Saturday, small groups of people were packing in some of the capital's working-class immigrant districts, preparing last-minute departures. Railroad authorities expected a rush later by those trying to make the last train leaving for Ethiopia before the deadline.
Another 6,000 to 8,000 immigrants hoping to remain in Djibouti were crammed two weeks ago into a refugee camp in Aour-Aoussa, a vast, arid expanse about 60 miles from the capital. Many held papers proving they had registered as asylum seekers and some were from war-wracked southern Somalia, which in principle gives them refugee status. Others however were armed with little more than hope that the government would grant them permission to stay.
