Twenty-two Djiboutian artists and vendors brought their handmade art and regional wares to Camp Lemonnier this weekend for the biannual bazaar. Camp Lemonnier has hosted bazaars for 16 years to connect U.S. service members with the local community.

Throughout the year, service members work and train together with our Djiboutian partners. Community events like the bazaar enable us to gain a deeper understanding of each other.

“The partnership between the United States and Djibouti began 21 years ago with Camp Lemonnier,” said U.S. Navy Capt. Suzanne Krauss, commanding officer of CLDJ. “Now, the U.S. and Djibouti work together to meet our shared regional security goals.”

Saturday’s bazaar raised $49,203 (8.733.525 Djf) for Djiboutian artists and vendors. The last three Camp Lemonnier bazaars have added $172,000 (30.593.085 Djf) to the local economy.

“The bazaar’s positive impact on the local economy further underscores the positive, mutually beneficial relationship we share,” Krauss said. “Our relationship enables us to provide 24/7 flight line operations force protection, port operations, lodging and facility management for our tenant commands, including the Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa.”