Context: The Doraleh Legal Dispute (Djibouti vs. DP World)
The legal conflict over the Doraleh Container Terminal (DCT) is the backdrop for the high-level intermediation documented in the Epstein files. The dispute evolved through several distinct phases, eventually leading to the seizure of the port and its transfer to Chinese control.
Historical Timeline
1. The Concession Agreement (2006)
In 2006, the Government of Djibouti awarded a 30-year concession to DP World to design, build, and operate the Doraleh Container Terminal (DCT). The terminal commenced operations in 2009 and quickly became one of the most technologically advanced ports in Africa.
- Key Figure: Abdourahman Boreh, then Chairman of the Djibouti Ports and Free Zone Authority (DPFZA), was instrumental in securing this deal.
2. Phase 1: The Bribery Allegations (2012–2016)
As Djibouti's relationship with the UAE soured and ties with China grew, the government turned on Boreh. President Guelleh initiated litigation in London against Boreh, alleging he accepted bribes from DP World to secure "soft terms" for the concession.
- The Accusation: Djibouti claimed Boreh received $500,000 annually in "consultancy fees" from DP World via an offshore company.
- Epstein/Stern Role: David Stern's firm (D&A Services) was hired by Djibouti to lead the asset recovery and investigation against Boreh.
- The High Court Ruling (2016): On March 2, 2016, Mr. Justice Flaux of the London Commercial Court dismissed all bribery charges. The court ruled the case was based on "fudged" evidence and was part of a "politically motivated campaign" by President Guelleh. The court also found that Djibouti's representatives (including D&A Services' client) had misled the tribunal.
3. Phase 2: The Arbitration & Seizure (2016–2018)
Following the failure of the bribery case, the dispute moved to the London Court of International Arbitration (LCIA).
- The Pivot: In September 2016, private emails (EFTA00817179) reveal that Abdourahman Boreh was testifying for Dubai (DP World) against Djibouti.
- The Double Agent: David Stern, ostensibly working for Djibouti, was coordinating with Epstein about Boreh's testimony that helped "Dubai," effectively playing both sides.
- The Ruling (2017): In February 2017, the LCIA tribunal ruled that the DP World concession was valid and binding, dismissing Djibouti's attempts to annul it.
4. Phase 3: The Unilateral Termination (2018)
Despite the arbitration rulings, on February 22, 2018, the Government of Djibouti unilaterally terminated DP World's contract and seized the Doraleh Container Terminal.
- The China Factor: Shortly after the seizure, the port's operations were effectively transferred to the China Merchants Group (CMG), which had already acquired a 23.5% stake in the port authority in 2013. This confirmed the strategic pivot that the Witan Group had been facilitating since 2011.
- Aftermath: DP World continues to win arbitration awards (totaling over $600m) which Djibouti refuses to pay.
Strategic Implications
This legal warfare provided the "toxic" environment necessary for Djibouti to justify seizing the port in 2018. The "Witan" strategy effectively used the legal system to delegitimize the existing UAE contract, clearing the board for the Chinese takeover.