#7. The Republic of Djibouti

"Arise in Strength!". More of the Horn of Africa. It sends me back to when I was 11 years of age and we were still exploring the Eastern Africa countries. Memories of its mentally instilled capital sharing the name as the country, the Djibouti City and the then famous Danakil desert. I never knew I would be making every effort to know more about the identity of the country such a time as this. Just incase you need this; the country is bounded by Ethiopia in the West and South, Somalia in the Southeast, Eritrea in the North, the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden to the East. It has two predominant ethnic groups: Issa (most) and Afar.

Djibouti is a geographically small (about 23,200 square kilomenters) country on the Horn of Africa. It is a mostly French- and Arabic - speaking country of dry shrublands, volcanic formations and Gulf of Aden beaches. It's home to one of the saltiest bodies of water in the world, the low-lying Lake Assal, in the Danakil Desert. The current president is Isma?l Omar Guelleh, (Famously IOG) and has been in service since 1999.

Located at a triple juncture of the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, and East African rift systems, the country hosts significant seismic and geothermal activity. It is internationally renowned as?a geologic treasure trove. This makes it more fascinating and definitely stiring up the explorative spirits in some of us to drop by and have a taste of its magnificence. But before then, let us have a look at the scenes behind its national identity.

History of the Flag of Djibouti

1.Just like the Federal Republic of Somalia, until the latter half of the 16th century, Djibouti was represented by the flag of the Adal Sultanate. It had three squares that were alienated between white and red, with a crescent mood in each of the three squares. (shown below).

2. Around mid 16th Century, the country became part of the Ottoman Empire and a red flag with a golden crescent was adopted (shown below).

3. At the end of the 19th century, when Djibouti became a French colony, the use of the above flag was discontinued and the French National Flag then represented Djibouti until independence (shown below).

4. The current national flag came to be used in 1977 after the country gained independence from France. It adopted its constitution 15 years down the line. The flag is made of an horizontal stripe of light blue over one of light green and at the hoist, a white triangle bearing a red star (shown below)

The Symbolic meaning of the current National flag parameters.

# Green. This is the Afar color and it symbolizes prosperity and the earth.

# Light Blue. This is the Issa color and it symbolizes the sea and sky. It refers greatly to the background color of the national flag of the neighboring country of Somalia.

# Triangle. This stands for equality.

# White. Within the triangle, it stands for peace.

# The Red five-pointed Star. This stands for the unity of the people and the blood of the martyrs shed in the country in quest for independence.

The National Anthem

Originally in Arabic, but an English translation below! Enjoy:)

Arise with strength!; For we have raised our flag,

The flag which has cost us dear

The flag which has cost us dear

With extremes of thirst and pain.

Our flag, whose colours are the everlasting green of the earth,

The blue of the sky, and white, the colour of peace;

And in the centre the red star of blood.

Oh flag of ours, what a glorious sight!

Oh flag of ours, what a glorious sight!

Oh flag of ours, what a glorious sight!

Oh flag of ours, what a glorious sight!

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"Arise with Strength!" is one of the most powerful statements I know. Repeated by every single individual who has a goal and a purpose to fulfil on Earth. A symbol of new dawn from down. A foundation of determination to start again afresh!. This is all we need every day as our eyes burst open and bodies switch to activity in broad new light. This is more powerful the moment it is the 24-hour rythym of a nation. I am so proud of Djibouti.

The country could be ranking behind according to the development measurement parameters even in their various imperfections. But one clear thing about Djibouti is the constant song of "Arise in Strength". Being one of the babies of independence, their hope for progress and a better life for every citizen is still living. A constant positive mindset is better than a shifted negative one.

As a fellow African child, I stand to uphold the dignity of true patriotism of Djibouti citizens. Those who also believe in a difference and are confident that some day, the file shall read better and life shall be sweeter than it is right now. We will not be satisfied by ordinary dreams. Life is a series of endless dreams. It might have costed you alot of energy and delays in the process, but clearly, in this dynamic world, no one can wisely love at another. Dear Djibouti, Arise in Strength!

Dear amazing reader,

See you in the next country!

?Girl of the African Soil.