From French Somaliland to Djibouti: Djibouti's Independence

Djibouti became an independent country from France June 27, 1977. It was the French explorer Rochet d'Hericourt who striked France's intrest in African Territory. Djibouti was then named the French Somaliland. From 1884-1954 France continued to dominate countries in Africa. In 1982 Djibouti was deamed France's administrative capital due to the easy access of railways and harbors. This move helped increase France's trade with other countries. Djibouti was captured in World War II by Italy in the 1930s, and was later recaptured by France in 1942. A local battallion from Djibouti participated in the French liberation in 1944. On June 22, 1957 the colony was reorganized to become self governed. This was later taken away in September 1958 when the French Somalialand (Djibouti) was prompted to join French territories. Under this agreement Djiboutians were orderd to be governed under French Parliment. In 1963, after new electoral rules were passed, representation was abolished in exchange for a system of straight plurality vote based on lists submitted by political parties in seven designated districts. Aref Bourhan, who was suspected of being of Turkish orgin, was selected president. In 1966 French president Charles de Gaulle visted Djibouti, and his two day visit was filled with Djiboutians declaring independence. On September 21, 1966 Louis Saget was named general of the Djibouti Revolution. As the demands for indpendence began to increase France had no choice but to give Djibouti independence.