Djibouti (Dawan Africa) – The Ministry of Labor of the Republic of Djibouti officially launched the final phase of its extensive civil service reform on Thursday at the People's Palace (Qasriga Shacabka). The event, themed “A Modern and Productive Public Service,” brought together government officials, parliamentarians, and representatives from the European Union. The meeting aimed to present and accelerate the implementation of reforms in the civil service system to modernize public service, enhance the effectiveness of social services, and equip government institutions with the tools and capacity to meet the challenges of the 21st century.
The session was led by Minister of Labor, Registration, and Social Protection, Omar Abdi Saïd, alongside other government officials and the Executive Secretary for Administrative Reform. Minister Saïd emphasized that the reform’s main goal is to create a work environment where all civil servants can thrive, ensuring equality and fairness irrespective of gender, social background, or rank. “The time has come for change,” said Minister Saïd. “We need to build a truly inclusive work environment where everyone can grow and contribute fully to public service.”
This reform builds on Law No. 48/AN/83, which was issued on June 26, 1983, and laid the foundation for Djibouti's civil service system. Recognizing the need for change to align with modern conditions, the Djibouti government conducted a comprehensive review and restructuring of its labor laws, resulting in the new Civil Service Law (Lr. 21/AN/23/9th L), passed on January 24, 2024.
According to the Djibouti News Agency, this reform, in development for over four years, is seen as a major step towards aligning the country's management system with modern standards. The reform also aims to ensure social justice and inclusivity for all civil servants.
The restructuring will focus on enhancing employee rights, improving quality, and implementing continuous training and professional management to build a robust government agency capable of facing future challenges.