The Republic of Djibouti was established in 1977 gaining independence from France. Up until 1992 when the new Constitution was enacted the country was governed through much of the old, colonial legislation. Institutional divisions also resemble the pre-independence period with the country consisting of a total of 6 regions including the capital city of Djibouti. Below the regional division a total of 11 districts exist some of which span across multiple regions. Until 2006, when the government started a decentralization policy, regional governors and district administrators were appointed by central government. In 2006, Djibouti held its first regional elections valid for a period of 6 years. Whereas presidential and legislative elections are planned for 2017 and 2013 local elections are yet to be announced.
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The first steps to further embed decentralization took place in the aftermath of a 2001 popular uprising and the subsequent peace accord in which central government decided on more political autonomy for certain areas and the creation of more local authorities. Further efforts were taken in 2006 with a large scale cooperation between the government and multiple donors on the issue of decentralization. The Governance and Decentralisation project which is a cooperation between the Djibouti government and the International Foundation For Electoral Systems (IFES) provided practical training courses and workshops improving the capacities of local authorities to manage the process of local government. The Djibouti government aided these decentralization efforts through the Ministry of Interior and Decentralization by providing a legal framework and guidelines for localities on local government.
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The central government’s implementation of decentralization and the strengthening of local government takes shape through government – donor cooperation. For example through the before mentioned Governance and Decentralization project. The government also see localities as an important stakeholder in the realization of a variety of development schemes such as poverty reduction, access to water, education and (rural) economic development. Through this cooperation the local population of Djibouti can benefit from these projects and become more involved in the democratic process as well.
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