How did the Balbala settlement grow after Djibouti gained independence?

Following Djibouti's independence in 1977, the Balbala settlement experienced rapid expansion, tripling in size within the first decade. Originally a squatter community located beyond a colonial-era boundary, it was officially incorporated into Djibouti city in 1987, with the government promising to provide basic water and sanitary services.12

The settlement's continued growth was driven by several factors:

• A high birth rate.12
• Ongoing rural-to-urban migration.12
• The displacement of individuals from the city's urban core.12

While the government sought to improve urban infrastructure and housing through international aid, the rapid development of areas like Balbala highlighted broader national challenges, including a high cost of living, unemployment, and social tensions regarding the distribution of resources.12