Prostitution in Djibouti is illegal
[1] but tolerated.
[2] UNAIDS estimate there are 2,900
prostitutes in the country.
[3] Many work from bars and nightclubs.
[2][4] The is a
red-light districtin
Djibouti City.
[5]
Due to it's strategic position, troops from
United States,
China,
France,
Japan,
Saudi Arabia,
Italy.
Russia,
Spain,
Germany and the
United Kingdom are stationed in bases in
Djibouti.
[6] The presence of these troops increase the demand for
prostitution.
[5][6][4] During an investigation in 2015, it was found almost half of the Engineering Department of the
Tennessee Army National Guard had used prostitutes whilst stationed in Djibouti.
[7]
During
World War I, the French set up
military brothels for their troops. These continued for the use of the
Foreign Legion until 1978.
[6]
HIV prevalence amongst sex workers in the country is 12.9%.
[8]