Wednesday, March 19, 2008

St Tropez in the Horn? Djibouti's ambition to create Dubai model in the Horn of Africa



Well, in Dubai. He wants Djibouti to follow the example of the booming gulf emirate or perhaps even of Malaysia, a Muslim model where many children of Djibouti's elite head for university.

Businessmen say the port's improvements make it hard to imagine that Eritrea's Massawa, Somaliland's Berbera or Somalia's Bossaso will catch up soon.

In sum, Djibouti is surviving cannily in a tough neighbourhood.

Would Somaliland leadership have the same vision as Guelleh? Yet to be seen.

President Rayale of Somaliland announced this week for what he called his "invitation to use Berbera" by Americans. What is that mean? He refused to elaborate but some people are skeptical about his actions.

Would the President explain what would Somaliland get in return? Is US helping Somaliland's efforts to get recognition? What about investment and helping build Somaliland's infrastructure?
Click this link to read more about the Economist report on Djibouti's ambition: http://www.economist.com/world/africa/displaystory.cfm?story_id=10881652

No comments: