Djibouti Coast Guard Reopens Siesta Beach

Col. Wais Omar Bogoreh, Commander of the Djibouti Coast Guard, said authorities had removed hydrocarbon-contaminated materials from the shoreline following an environmental cleanup campaign coordinated with government institutions and civil society organizations. The beach had been closed to protect public health and allow specialized teams to complete the remediation work. "The contaminated materials that were present along the beach have been cleaned up, and people can now safely swim at the beach," Colonel Bogoreh said in public remarks announcing the reopening. He added that restrictions imposed during the cleanup period had now been lifted and encouraged residents to return responsibly. "During the restoration work, we prevented public access to the area. We now invite people to enjoy the beach in a safe and respectful manner." Officials said the cleanup operation involved cooperation between the Coast Guard, several government agencies, and members of civil society, reflecting a coordinated response to restore environmental conditions along the shoreline. Authorities did not immediately disclose the volume of pollutants removed or the duration of the cleanup operation. Visitors began returning to Siesta Beach after the announcement, with families and groups gathering along the waterfront under clear daytime conditions. Recreational activities resumed gradually as Coast Guard personnel continued monitoring the area and advising beachgoers to observe public safety guidance. A local resident told Lamaane News Network that the reopening would allow families to return to one of Djibouti City's popular leisure destinations after several days of restricted access. Environmental management of coastal pollution remains an important priority for Djibouti because of its strategic location on the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, where maritime traffic plays a significant role in the national economy. Hydrocarbon contamination can affect marine ecosystems, fisheries, and public recreation if not addressed promptly through coordinated response measures. Environmental observers say timely shoreline remediation helps reduce ecological risks and restores public confidence in the safety of coastal areas. The reopening of Siesta Beach also highlights the importance of cooperation between public authorities and community organizations during environmental response operations. Authorities said they will continue monitoring the beach to ensure environmental conditions remain suitable for public use and encouraged visitors to help preserve the cleanliness of the coastline by following local regulations and avoiding activities that could contribute to future pollution. Source: Lamaane News Network (https://lamaane.net) ══════════════ Publisher Bio: Lamaane News Network (https://lamaane.net) is a Mogadishu-based independent digital news organization covering developments in Somalia, the Horn of Africa, and international affairs, with reporting in both Somali and English. Founded on December 9, 2015, it is committed to producing factual, balanced, and timely journalism in accordance with professional editorial and ethical standards.