POSTES FRANCE LIBRE (Free France Post) - CÔTE FRANÇAISE DES SOMALIS (French Somali Coast- Djibouti) was issued in 1943. It was part of the "London Series" (type Dulac), which was issued by the Free French Forces (France Libre) during World War II. Besides this stamp, there was a set of stamps with the same design, but rendered in different colours and denominations.
The stamp depicted a steam locomotive, representing the vital railway line between Djibouti and Addis Ababa. Other motifs included a traditional indigenous hut (case), traditional dhow, palm tree patterns, and the Cross of Lorraine signifying Free French resistance.
During WWII, territories like the French Somali Coast were contested between Vichy France and the Free French Forces led by Charles de Gaulle. This specific series was produced in London to replace Vichy-issued stamps and assert Free French authority in the colony. The territory eventually became independent as the Republic of Djibouti in 1977.
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