US embassy cable - 04DJIBOUTI1507

UNCLAS DJIBOUTI 001507 
 
SIPDIS 
 
E.O.  12958: N/A 
TAGS: PREL, PGOV, SCUL, KPAO, DJ 
SUBJECT: DJIBOUTI EXPRESSES INTEREST IN ANGLICIZATION 
 
1.  (U) Djibouti is an isolated francophone country, 
surrounded by countries where the official languages all 
include English.  The recent presence of the U.S. military 
in Djibouti has underscored a language barrier.  After the 
Government of Djibouti, the U.S. Government is the second 
largest employer.  Numerous conversations with Djiboutian 
citizens at all levels indicate an interest in "anglicizing" 
the country. 
 
2.  (U) Among Djiboutian youth, there is a growing 
recognition of the value of speaking English.  Job 
opportunities are limited in Djibouti with unemployment 
estimated to exceed 50%.  A command of English increases 
opportunities abroad for educated individuals and for 
professional positions with entities such as the U.S. 
Embassy.  Even the uneducated find that English gives them 
an advantage applying for jobs created by the U.S.  military 
at Camp Lemonier. 
 
3.  (U) English language clubs (for Djiboutians to practice 
English) at the university and high schools frequently ask 
the American Embassy for assistance with materials, money, 
time, and ideas.  During International Education Week, about 
75 students and teachers came to a joint presentation at the 
university by the Embassy and International Foundation for 
Education and Self-Help (IFESH).  The turnout was 
surprisingly large given that the students and teachers had 
been striking and most classes had not been in session for 
over a week. 
 
4.  (U) In addition, Mohamed Ali Hassan, Director of 
Bilateral Relations at the Ministry of Foreign Relations 
expressed to ConOff during a courtesy call a strong desire 
for more English language ability in the Djiboutian 
government.  He bemoaned the lack of language skills among 
his peers, stating that it hampers bilateral relations.  Mr. 
Hassan benefited from an International Visitor Program to 
the U.S., and talked about his experience enthusiastically, 
expressing hope that his colleagues in the Djiboutian 
government can experience the program as well. 
 
5.  (SBU) Comment: Djibouti is reaching out to its 
neighbors, attempting to increase trade opportunities in 
East Africa and the Middle East.  With funding from the 
United Arab Emirates, the Government is building a new 
deepwater port to position itself as a center of trade. 
Djibouti is a member of the Arab league.  While French is 
more commonly spoken in government, Arabic is also an 
official language in Djibouti.  Anglicization would open 
more opportunities within Africa, and reduce dependence on 
their Middle Eastern neighbors.  It is in U.S. interests to 
continue to encourage the interest in Anglicization and to 
assist Djibouti to develop English language capability. 
Embassy will work with the Department to explore 
opportunities to encouraged English language development in 
Djibouti.  End comment.