Africa · Eastern
Key Facts
—The Agreement. Djibouti and the EU signed a Status of Forces Agreement on 17 July 2026, establishing a legal framework for Operation ASPIDES on Djiboutian soil.
—The Mission. EUNAVFOR ASPIDES is a defensive naval operation launched in February 2024 to safeguard freedom of navigation against Houthi attacks in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.
—The Money. The EU has committed over €17 million in common costs for ASPIDES and a separate €10 million through the European Peace Facility to strengthen Djibouti’s navy.
