An official website of the United States government
Here's how you know
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Camp Lemonnier hosts Djiboutian Sous-Préfet for Islamic Cemetery Visit

09 February 2023

From Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Maria A. Olvera Tristán

CAMP LEMONNIER, Djibouti (Feb. 9, 2023) Senior military leaders from Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, met with Djiboutian Sous-Préfet de Damerjog, Abdi-Chaib Nour Youssouf, and his distinguished guests for a ceremony at Camp Lemonnier’s Islamic cemetery.
The Islamic burial ground on CLDJ dates back to before the early 20th century and holds local and living significance with descendants in the immediate region.
 
Capt. Brian Iber, CLDJ commanding officer, welcomed Sous-Préfet de Damerjog, who serves as the administrator in charge of the Damerjog region appointed by the Djiboutian President Ismaïl Omar Guelleh, to pay respects to the deceased at the site.  
 
"We are happy to invite Sous-Préfet de Damerjog, Abdi-Chaib Nour Youssouf, and village elders to celebrate this important cultural moment with us," said Iber. "While we have a history of defense and military partnership, this joint event shows that we are committed to building our relationship and future together."

Since the U.S. Navy has managed CLDJ, the burial site has remained intact in its present outline since 2002, and is currently roped off from pedestrian and vehicular traffic.
 
The site consists of 19 stone burial mounds oriented East-West organized into three rows of varying lengths.

In 2011, a monument was constructed to identify the site as a cemetery to ensure the long-term preservation of the human burials. 

Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa’s Deputy Commander, Brig. Gen. Valerie Jackson, and Command Senior Enlisted Leader, Sgt. Maj. Frank Kammer Jr., were present and participated in the event as a sign of partnership and respect.

A reception was held afterward to commemorate the significance of the event.

CLDJ is an operational installation that enables U.S., allied, and partner nation forces to be where and when they are needed to ensure security in Europe, Africa, and Southwest Asia.
 
The base enables maritime and combat operations in the Horn of Africa while fostering positive U.S.-Africa relations like this recent visit and ceremony.
 

Google Translation Disclaimer

  • Google Translate, a third party service provided by Google, performs all translations directly and dynamically.
  • Commander, Navy Region Europe, Africa, Central, cnreurafcent.cnic.navy.mil has no control over the features, functions, or performance of the Google Translate service.
  • The automated translations should not be considered exact and should be used only as an approximation of the original English language content.
  • This service is meant solely for the assistance of limited English-speaking users of the website.
  • Commander, Navy Region Europe, Africa, Central, cnreurafcent.cnic.navy.mil does not warrant the accuracy, reliability, or timeliness of any information translated.
  • Some items cannot be translated, including but not limited to image buttons, drop down menus, graphics, photos, or portable document formats (pdfs).
  • Commander, Navy Region Europe, Africa, Central, cnreurafcent.cnic.navy.mil does not directly endorse Google Translate or imply that it is the only language translation solution available to users.
  • All site visitors may choose to use similar tools for their translation needs. Any individuals or parties that use Commander, Navy Region Europe, Africa, Central, cnreurafcent.cnic.navy.mil content in translated form, whether by Google Translate or by any other translation services, do so at their own risk.
  • IE users: Please note that Google Translate may not render correctly when using Internet Explorer. Users are advised to use MS Edge, Safari, Chrome, or Firefox browser to take full advantage of the Google Translate feature.
  • The official text of content on this site is the English version found on this website. If any questions arise related to the accuracy of the information contained in translated text, refer to the English version on this website, it is the official version.

Commander, Navy Region Europe, Africa, Central   |   PSC 817, Box 108   |   FPO, AE 09622
Official U.S. Navy Website