Protests erupt in Djibouti over detention of Air Force pilot in a toilet

Massive protests erupted in Djibouti on Thursday evening, the Horn of Africa nation's Interior minister confirmed, following the arrest and detention of an Air Force pilot in a what residents referred to as "toilet".

Protesters carrying placards called for the immediate release of Foad Yousuf, a military officer who appeared in a viral video held within what is believed to be a toilet, with many accusing President Ismael Omar Guelleh of dictatorship.

The viral video shows the military officer held under inhumane conditions, but it was not immediately clear why he was arrested and incarcerated by the government he served. The protests also continued for the better part of Friday, reports indicate.

On social media, Djibouti citizens called for justice for the military officer, some accusing the government of disregarding its own obligations of ensuring that the rights of arrested persons are respected in accordance with the country's laws.

"How come your government doesn't respect basic human dignity? Where is the Humanity? The man is detained inside a washroom. Fear your Allah, the arduous question is waiting for us all," protested Abdullahi Bakare, a social media enthusiast.

"Djiboutian people have nothing to lose. They don’t even have the right to the basic necessities of human life. [Water, Food, Shelter, Sanitation, Education, and Healthcare]," added Sahal Ahmed, another social media user.

But Mumin Ahmed Sheikh, Djibouti's Interior minister, termed the demonstrations "unlawful" in a social media post, and warned of possible arrests and prosecution of them ", inciting" others to demonstrate.

Without disclosing what the ex-military officer committed, the minister also insisted that the government will protect businesses and innocent civilians from "public disorder", adding that it will also ensure the law is followed.

"A detainee can complain about the conditions of his detention. His lawyer is intervening at the moment through proper regulations," he said in reference to conditions of the detained officer, whose incarceration sparked protests.

"Calling for revolts and riots is an offense under the law. Let everyone assume the consequences of the acts. The government is responsible for public order and will ensure compliance with the law," added the official.

Some reports indicate that the officer had been in loggerheads with his own government and that at some point, he sought asylum in Ethiopia but would later be handed over to Djibouti under unclear circumstances this year.

Ilyas Dawaleh, the country's Economy and Finance Minister, said the conditions of detention that led to the demonstrations are subject to investigations while calling for calmness in a tweet on Friday.

Djibouti is the major entry for imports and exports to the Horn of Africa and serves the fast-growing Ethiopia which is landlocked. Such protests could derail the transportation of goods thus the government's quick response.

But fundamentally, the country also serves as the host to many military bases including those of China, France, and the US. Washington established US Africa Command under Gen Stephen Townsend, and the main base in Djibouti serves the entire continent.

With over 4,000 positive cases of COVID-19, 26 deaths, and over 1,700 recoveries, the country reopened the economy a fortnight ago. All citizens were asked to strictly were facemasks and observe social distancing, something which was after all violated during the protests.

GAROWE ONLINE