"There are credible reports that Al-Shabaab
... Somalia's version of the Taliban, functioning as an arm of al-Qaeda...
plan, and have the capability, to attack targets in Djibouti, including western interests," the Foreign Office said, noting "there is a high threat from terrorism in the port city."
Troops from Djibouti are part of the African Union
...a union consisting of 53 African states, most run by dictators of one flavor or another. The only all-African state not in the AU is Morocco. Established in 2002, the AU is the successor to the Organisation of African Unity (OAU), which was even less successful...
force in Somalia fighting the Shabaab, and Djibouti's port also serves as a key base for ships taking part in international anti-piracy operations off the Somali coast. "Djibouti and western interests within Djibouti may be seen as a legitimate target by Al-Shabaab because of its support to the Somali government and its participation in the African Union peacekeeping mission," the Foreign Office statement said.
East African nations were on high alert on Thursday over fears that Somalia's Al-Qaeda-linked Shabaab rebels may launch attacks on World Cup screenings.
Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, whose country is a key contributor to African Union forces fighting the Shabaab in Somalia, cautioned fans "to be alert as they enjoy football, bearing in mind that the country is threatened".
A statement said Ugandan security forces had been urged to screen people to avoid a repeat of attacks four years ago.
In Kenya, police chief David Kimaiyo promised "sufficient security measures" to ensure fans were safe, but said bar owners must take their own precautions.
"Owners of such social places must ensure that every person is thoroughly screened before entering their premises," he said in a statement.