The Ministry of Youth and Culture in Djibouti has continued its efforts to structure the management and valorization of the Abourma rock site. On September 22, 2026, the new local management committee office was officially inaugurated in Randa, Tadjourah region. The event was attended by regional authorities, ministry representatives, and members of the committee. The inauguration was led by Idriss Moussa, senior advisor to the ministry.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by notable figures, including Mohamed Houmed Abass, prefect of the Tadjourah region, and the president of the regional council. Ibrahim Osman Ali, representing the Institute of Archaeological and Historical Research (IRAH), highlighted the importance of the Abourma site classification for the region and emphasized the need for collective mobilization to protect this remarkable rock heritage.
Idriss Moussa reiterated that the conservation, valorization, and classification of the Abourma site are now a national priority, with constant attention from the highest state authorities and support from President Ismaïl Omar Guelleh. He also noted that the establishment of a local management committee for a heritage site is a first in Djibouti. The regional council president emphasized the exceptional value of Abourma and the responsibility of Randa in its preservation.
The prefect of the Tadjourah region, Mohamed Houmed Abass, stressed the need to combine conservation, security, and valorization of the site. He announced the upcoming establishment of eco-guards to reinforce site surveillance and praised the presence of notables in the local management committee, considering their participation essential to success.
The new management system will enable better organization of site preservation, visitor reception, and coordination with competent institutions. Texts will be prepared to regulate access to the site and provide for a regulated fee, contributing to site management and generating benefits for the region. The local management committee members expressed their satisfaction and gratitude to the ministry, IRAH, and administrative authorities for their efforts in favor of Abourma.
A training and awareness session was led by Dr. Amina Saïd Chireh for the local management committee members, focusing on heritage conservation issues, degradation prevention, and good practices for visitor reception and orientation. The session marked the end of the first part of the day dedicated to strengthening local governance and awareness around the Abourma site.
The day's events, which included the inauguration of the new local management committee office, training for its members, and an activity at Randa high school, represent a concrete step in the ministry's commitment to anchoring Abourma's protection in its territory and among its populations. Preserving Abourma is essential to protecting Djibouti's history and transmitting its heritage to future generations.
Key points
- The Ministry of Youth and Culture has inaugurated a new local management committee office for the Abourma rock site in the Tadjourah region.
- The Abourma site conservation is now a national priority in Djibouti, with support from President Ismaïl Omar Guelleh.
- A training session was held for local management committee members on heritage conservation and good practices for visitor reception.
