1977 – Djibouti Joins the United Nations

On June 14, 1977, the newly independent Republic of Djibouti was officially admitted to the United Nations, less than a week after declaring independence from France. Located in the Horn of Africa, Djibouti became one of the last African nations to gain independence during the post-colonial era. Its strategic location at the mouth of the Red Sea made it geopolitically significant, drawing interest from both Western and Eastern bloc powers during the Cold War. Joining the UN symbolized its full integration into the international community and affirmed the right of African nations to self-determination. Djibouti’s membership also strengthened African voices within the UN General Assembly and reflected broader shifts in global political power away from colonial empires. The nation would later become a key player in regional stability and global maritime security.