By Genevieve Azelama
A Nation Once Bound, Now Building
On the 27th of June, 1977, Djiboutians broke from French colonial rule, with over 98.8% of the nation deciding once and for all that they were done with the French colonialists and their reign over their nation. The streets of Djibouti were filled with chants, song, and firelight as their nation officially gained its freedom and sovereignty. The people of Djibouti declared their complete separation from foreign powers by voting in favor of independence, satisfying their longing for self-rule, self-determination, justice, and dignity. 
It has been almost five decades since that historic decision, and every June, the people of Djibouti not only celebrate with parades, public speeches, and cultural presentations but also with deep reflection on what independence means to them as a people and a nation.
Before its independence, Djibouti was previously known as French Somaliland, and later the French Territory of the Afars and the Issas, and its path to true national sovereignty from colonial powers was neither quick nor easy. The people of Djibouti clenched their independence and right to exist as a sovereign nation not just from referendums but decades of cultural preservation, resistance, and regional negotiation between the Afar and Somali ethnic groups.
Today, Djibouti’s stronghold as an independent nation, in combination with its geopolitical location at the mouth of the Red Sea, has made it quite attractive to large foreign investments and strategic military partnerships with other world powers.
The people of Djibouti continuously reflect on the growth, development, and urbanization of their nation as the modern skylines rise with glass towers and the nation’s ports hum with continuous international trade, all made possible through thet 98.8% vote decades ago.
The Promise of a New Generation
Djibouti’s youth have led the charge in reclaiming the true meaning of their nations independence, they are loudly and proudly reshaping the conversation in universities in music, in digital media, a new conversation is taking shape to the Djibouti;s independence goes beyond a historic achievement it is a continuing responsibility on their part as a new generation.
Civil society groups, Djiboutis in diaspora, artists, and Djiboutians on digital media platforms are celebrating their independence, growth, and development as a nation since then.
Independence gave Djibouti its name, its anthem, and its national pride. As Djibouti has been on a steady pace of growth and development since then, with so much more to come, as it stands independent. This June 27, fireworks light up the sky once again, as the people of Djibouti celebrate and reflect on the truly remarkable gift of an independent and sovereign nation.
