Why do several foreign countries maintain military bases in Djibouti?

Foreign countries maintain military bases in Djibouti primarily due to its strategic position on the northeast coast of the Horn of Africa.12

The country is situated on the Bab el Mandeb Strait, a vital maritime chokepoint that separates the Red Sea from the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean. This location is highly advantageous for international efforts to combat maritime piracy and terrorism in the region.123

The history of this military presence varies by nation:
* France: Maintains a long-standing presence stemming from the period when Djibouti was a French colony.14
* United States: Established a base following the September 11 attacks in 2001 as part of the global war on terrorism.14
* Other Nations: Countries including Japan, China, Italy, Germany, and Spain have since established bases or a troop presence to leverage the country's geopolitical importance.14