Abstract: African indigenous tribes have populated the Horn of Africa for at least thirteen centuries. While tribal feuds have dominated multiple eras throughout this vast span of history, the introduction of colonialism, followed by the creation of nation states, propelled those rivalries into new realms heavily influenced by foreign powers. The French and Italian colonizers who exacerbated Horn of Africa ancient clan rivalries by splitting native lands into multiple separate nation states diminished tribes abilities to remain cohesive. Today, many competing tribes clash over government positions, military positions, resources, and favor with foreign powers. The result in Djibouti manifested in a highly stratified society that includes a small contingent of highly educated, powerful, wealthy business and political leaders who lead privileged lives, and a massive poor and uneducated underclass held down by apportionment of resources proffered only by tribal affiliation.
Future development of Djibouti and its ability to successfully prevent terrorism in this geopolitically important location relies on governmental and business leadership fostering a more egalitarian society where education, healthcare, and economic opportunities are afforded all citizens, regardless of their ancient tribal heritage.
Keywords: Tribal, Djibouti, Horn of Africa, Somali, Issa, Afar.
Title: Impact of Tribal Influence on Djibouti Society
Author: Professor Shaul M. Gabbay
International Journal of Social Science and Humanities Research
ISSN 2348-3156 (Print), ISSN 2348-3164 (online)
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