Christianity in Djibouti

shepherdheart

May 1, 2025
6 min read
God's Canvass & Culture May Magazine 2025

Christianity in Djibouti: The Republic of Djibouti is located in the Horn of Africa. It shares border with Somalia to the South, Ethiopia to the Southwest, Eritrea to the North, the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden to the East. The capital is Djibouti City, while the official languages are Arabic and French. Djibouti has a human population of 1,066,809, spread over three main ethnic groups namely, Somalis, 60%, Afar, 35% and Arabs, 5%. Islam is the dominant faith at 94%, while only 6% of the population profess Christianity.

Brief History

Djibouti gained its independence on June 27, 1977. It is the successor to French Somaliland (later called the French Territory of the Afars and Issas), created in the first half of the 19^th century as a result of French interest in the Horn of Africa. However, the history of Djibouti, recorded in poetry and songs of its nomadic peoples, goes back thousands of years to a time when they traded hides and skins for the perfumes and spices of ancient Egypt, India and China.

God’s Canvass in Djibouti

The country’s coastline stretches 314 kilometres, with terrain consisting mainly of plateau, plains and highlands. It has eight mountain ranges with peaks of over 1,000 metres. The Mousa Ali range is considered the country’s highest mountain range, with the tallest peak on the border with Ethiopia and Eritrea. Consequently, the country’s fauna and flora thrive in harsh landscape with forest accounting for less than one percent of its total land area. Some of the features of Djibouti’s fauna and flora are presented below.

Fauna

Only about 60 mammal species are found in the country, along with 40 species of reptiles, 450 species of fish, 360 species of birds and 3 species of amphibians. Animals native to Djibouti are lions, antelopes, gazelle, warthog, spurfowl, gerenuk, baboon, sparrow and dik-dik. Some of them are shown below

Flora

The country is home to a variety of plant species, including African rock fig, hairy rock fig, avocado, beauty leaf, butterfly bean, Darwin pea and streaky bean. The flora is captured in some of the pictures presented below.

Beaches

Culture

Djibouti’s population is a mosaic of Somali, Afar, Arab, and French cultures, reflecting its colonial history and its role as trade crossroads. The country’s culture is also influenced by its nomadic heritage, with music, poetry and dance playing important roles in social and ceremonial occasions. The society is communal, with strong family bonds and clan affiliations playing pivotal roles. Respect for elders and hospitality are key cultural values.

Traditional Attire

Djibouti is a blend of French and Arabic influences. Clothing styles play a significant role in proclaiming the wearer’s ethnicity. The hot and arid climate is also reflected in the country’s clothing. For women, the traditional attire is a single-strapped gown, while the men adorn a sarong wrapped round the waist. Some of the traditional clothing worn in the country are shown below.

Djibouti Traditional Attire woman Christianity in Djibouti

Cuisine

Djiboutian cuisine is a blend of African, Somali, and French influences. Some of the dishes are presented below.

Status of Christianity in Djibouti

However, most Christians in Djibouti profess Roman Catholicism, a religion that accommodates all shades of religious views. The Catholic tolerance of alternative views is informed by the position of its incumbent Pope who insists that all faiths are acceptable to God. Consequently, the Catholic leadership does not encourage evangelism among Muslims; since according to the Pope, they are heaven bound.

Every child of God knows that the Pope speaks for himself and not as a servant of Jesus Christ, whose authority he tries to usurp. The Lord declared in John 14:6 that He is the only way to the Father. One zillion popes cannot invalidate the word of God. Therefore, let us intercede for all unsaved souls in Djibouti using the following prayer points or as the Holy Spirit leads.

Status of Christianity in Djibouti

Christianity is practiced by about 6% of the population, primarily by foreigners of Ethiopian and European descent. While Islam is the state religion, the Constitution of the country includes freedom of religion. Thus, a tolerant environment exists between the two main faiths, Islam and Christianity. However, most Christians in Djibouti profess Roman Catholicism, a religion that accommodates all shades of religious views. The Catholic tolerance of alternative views is informed by the position of its incumbent Pope who insists that all faiths are acceptable to God. Consequently, the Catholic leadership does not encourage evangelism among Muslims; since according to the Pope, they are heaven bound.

Prayer Points

Pray that the Father would destroy the root of Islam in Djibouti and expose its lies to those under its influence.
Ask God to destroy the veil of darkness that satan has used to blind the people of this country to his lies through Islam and other false religions.
Pray that the Father would destroy all demonic infrastructure and platforms that satan and his demons are using to keep Djiboutians in bondage.
Ask the Father to judge all demonic principalities and powers operating in the country, and break their hold off its people.
Pray that God would sanctify those who confess Jesus Christ as Lord with His word, which is the only truth.
Pray that the Father would destroy all faulty foundations in the lives of Christians resulting from errors and doctrines of demons.
Ask the Father to purge all Christians of pollutions from the world and fill them with His Spirit.
Pray that God would empower Christians to be living epistles that can be read by their Muslim neighbours.
Ask the Father to protect Christians and Muslim converts to Christianity from the violent actions of Islamic extremists.
Pray that God would send labourers into His harvest in Djibouti.
Use the President of the country, Ismail Omar Guelleh as a point of contact while praying for his people.