Djibouti’s khat, an expensive habit

[Deeq A.]

 

 

In the small east African nation of Djibouti, almost half of all men use khat as a stimulant. Chewing khat leaves produces similar effects to amphetamine use. Some 40% of the average household budget is spent on khat, a huge financial drain in a country where almost half the population is unemployed. Khat also creates severe health problems.

Nevertheless, khat is legal. It’s a big money earner for the state, which has a monopoly on its sale. This situation impedes the government’s efforts to fight addiction to the drug. Our reporters went to Djibouti to find out more.

France 24