Djibouti

The Afar are pastoral nomad tribes that travel through the desert with their sheep and camel herds. Their social structure is very hierarchical. Authority used to be in the hands of the sultans. The only one left is in Tadjoura, and his role is strictly honorary. The Afar are polygamous, but the women do not wear the veil, although many of them are still victims of female circumcision and infibulation. The Issa are also Muslim nomads. They move around freely between Djibouti and Somalia. The Afar and Issa, long term enemies, are renowned for their warlike customs. Disputes over cattle, pastoral land and water points, used to turn into bloody conflicts. A young man could not even consider marrying if he had not killed at least one enemy, and the custom was to take his manly attributes as a trophy. Nowadays, the conflicts are rare, but a nomad will never separate from his dagger and firearm. In the evening, the families unite in round hut camps called Toukouls. On the condition that you are introduced, you can benefit from their hospitality, and be invited for tea and food in the tent. In town, as soon as the afternoon begins, people forget about their activities and meet up in houses, where ,lying down on mats and cushions, they chew some khat for hours, a euphoric plant, and real social pest. The Djiboutians consume up to 15 tons of khat every year ! Even though the local population is relatively tolerant, you should, as in all Muslim countries, dress correctly and conserve good manners.