Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Djibouti: Protesters beaten and hit with tear gas

Ap
Saturday 19 February 2011 01:00 GMT
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Authorities used batons and tear gas against thousands of protesters in the tiny nation of Djibouti yesterday, the latest in a series of rallies modelled after demonstrations across Africa and the Middle East.

About 6,000 people turned out at the demonstration, but only about 3,000 remained by the time authorities showed up, according to Democracy International.

President Ismail Omar Guelleh has served two terms and faces an election in April, but critics lament changes he made to the constitution last year that scrubbed a two-term limit from the nation's laws. His family has been in power for more than three decades and the rally was aimed at getting him to step down.

Djibouti hosts several military bases, including the only American base in Africa.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in