At the bakcground, illustration of King Menelik waiting for the train.

Founded in 1898, the company had a French concession to build a railorad from Djibouti to Diré-Daroua. 

Because of a lack of founds, the company is liquidated the company in 1907

A new company is founded with the Banque de l'Indochine, called "Cie du Chemin de Fer de Djibouti à Addis-Abbeba".

The 784 km railroad is completed in 1917.