ocr: Formerly the Islamic state of Adal, the French made Djibouti the capital ofFrench Somaliland in 1896. - - 1917 Railroad from Addis Ababa reaches Djibouti's port. 1946 Given French Overseas Territory status. 1977 Independence. Hassan Gouled Aptidon president. . 1981 Une-party state declared. - 1989 Violence erupts between Afar and Issa groups. 1991 FRUD opposition formed.Launches armed insurrection.