Djibouti, Apostolic Prefecture of

GIBUTI, PREFETTURA APOSTOLICA di. - The Capuchins began the evangelization of French Somaliland. On April 28, 1914, from territory belonging to the apostolic vicariate of the Galla, the apostolic prefecture was erected,

which also embraced a vast territory of Ethiopia, namely Ogaden. In 1937 a general reorganization of the missions in Ethiopia took place, and by a decree of March 25 of that same year the territory was limited to the French possession.

It is situated entirely within the tropical zone and has an area of 23,000 sq. km. with a torrid climate. It has approximately 100,000 inhabitants, of whom, according to 1950 data, Catholics total 2,445, among natives, foreigners, and those of mixed race. There are 111 catechumens, 35 Protestants, 50 Jews, and 78,000 Muslims. The inhabitants belong to two principal races: the Danakil in the district of Tadjoura up to the border with Eritrea, and the Somali—or rather the Issa, who are a subtribe of the Somali race—in the remaining territory; they are Muslims. There are also Arabs, Indians, and Malagasy. The apostolate is therefore very difficult, also because the Somali lead a nomadic life between the French colony and neighboring British Somaliland. There are: 1 quasi-parish, 3 primary stations, 9 secondary stations; 1 church and 3 chapels; 3 orphanages with 112 children; 4 elementary schools with 391 pupils. Sisters serve in the two civil hospitals and in the dispensary. The periodical Le semeur en Terre Somalie is published here in 450 copies.