Top US official backs DP World in Djibouti port dispute

DUBAI, UAE - DP World has welcomed comments from US National Security Adviser John Bolton in support of the port operator's continuing dispute with the Government of Djibouti.

Bolton backed DP World's plight at the Heritage Foundation when he presented the US Administration’s new strategic policy on Africa.

Bolton highlighted and criticized, in particular, the Government of Djibouti’s autocratic actions earlier this year in expropriating illegally, the Doraleh Container Terminal.

A DP World spokesperson said: "We are grateful for the support of President Trump and the US Administration and will continue to use all available resources to bring about a resolution to this needless dispute.”

DP World added that the Government of Djibouti continues to flout international business laws, disregarding multiple international court rulings in DP World’s favor that declared the expropriation illegal.

In February, the Djibouti government canceled DP World’s contract, signed in 2006, to run the Doraleh Container Terminal. DP World claimed this attempted renationalization was illegal and began court proceedings, resulting in the August injunction in London.

In September, the High Court of England and Wales in London ordered that the injunction over Djibouti port operator Port de Djibouti should continue.

The ruling, which was first made on August 31 following a suit brought by Dubai’s DP World, prevents the company from interfering with the management of the joint venture company, Doraleh Container Terminal.

DP World has previously confirmed that it will continue to pursue all legal means to defend its rights as shareholder and concessionaire in the Doraleh Container Terminal, accusing the Djibouti government of a “blatant disregard for the rule of law”.

The company also issued a warning to other companies seeking to operate in the East African country.