Regional Power Competition in the Horn of Africa

The Horn of Africa is one of the world’s most sensitive and strategic regions. It overlooks vital shipping lanes that connect Asia and Europe, shares a maritime border with the Middle East, and has thousands of miles of Indian Ocean coastline. The region is also home to Africa’s second most populous country, Ethiopia; one of the continent’s most important ports, Djibouti; and Chinese, American, and other military bases. But the Horn’s deep political tensions and history of conflict make it difficult to engage in effective diplomacy. Hudson Institute, in collaboration with the Israel-Africa Institute, is conducting a series of webinars analyzing this important region, especially the role that outside actors play.
In this episode, experts discuss what regional powers such as the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Türkiye, and Qatar are doing in the Horn, their strategies and motivations, and the impact they might have on the region.

[azizabdulhay]

This was an otherwise interesting and thought-provoking discussion, overshadowed only by Joshua’s unwarranted and outdated orientalist remark portraying Ethiopia and Eritrea as exclusively Christian Orthodox nations. In reality, Muslims make up nearly half or more of Eritrea’s population, while Ethiopia is similarly home to a large Muslim community, accounting for no less than half of its people. Such misleading oversimplifications perpetuate historical biases and diminish the value of an otherwise compelling dialogue.

[ArifLij]

What I found shocking in this discussion is the lack of a mention of international laws that is suppose to guard sovereignty of nations. You made it sound like scramble for Africa is alive and well.

[tesfaziondebesu]

Eritrea is out from cold. The Country can do without any Foreign Aid, unlike Ethiopia.
The Country Never Give up, the Country Never Kneel down.

[AhmedMohamed-xowk]

I can’t believe they think Rashid Abdi is a expert you can’t be serious

[mickimaraki]

Remember population in Ethiopians are 130 million and 70% of them are btw under 30 years age. History showed us that they are good at mobilizing the entire nation within a days when it comes to outside enemy.

[UniHorn]

God bless Ethiopia 🇪🇹, God bless Eritrea 🇪🇷, God bless Somalia 🇸🇴
God bless The horn region ❤️
Our horn is one 🇪🇹🇪🇷🇸🇴🇩🇯

[marwanomar]

Rashid Abdi is a war merchant — we have not forgotten all the hateful messages you were posting on tweeter against Ethiopia during the war with TPLF. You were so fixed on overthrowing Abiy, I am not sure who was paying you to post those messages, but we have not forgotten who you are! … Free Palestine!

[FreemanV]

Somalia? Why Somalia is the on spotlight these days, I wonder.!
Let's not forget that Somalia isn't a new country that just emerged out of nowhere.
I believe there are so many other places that need your energy.
Whatever your motive may be, Somalis are awake, aware, and watching every move that's happening as far as their country is concerned.

[hagerawiae]

"400 billon dollars" investment in one unrecognized country I know you guys are praying for confrontation between Eritrea and Ethiopia. I hope this will not happen, but if it happens, Eritrea is very capable of defending itself.

[sulamit_wegahta]

It’s also strange none of the panelists actually spoke about the Ethiopian internal stature only speaking to external pressures. Ethiopia is not in a state to fight another external war as it is on the verge of disintegration. Its disintegration maybe the mayhem that should be avoided.

[aberhane]

The question should have been, why's Ethiopia discarding international law and AU's sanctity of colonial boundaries. Violating sovereignity of Somalia by signing memorandum of understanding. And now claiming Eritrean port as theirs. What I didn't hear from this panel is a condemnation of Ethiopia. If you weren't war mongers and blood thirsty you should've sounded the alarms, by condemning Ethiopia for it's behavior and flagrant violations. Eritrea will always prevail despite your doom and gloom predictions!!

NEVER KNEEL

[MohamedAwil-rjwk]

Fruitful discussion, thanks for the panel members.

[KuchimSilesh]

Hello How are you , My name is Kuchim silesh from Addis Ababa University and I am political science analysis how can i join in your institute ?

[arayaelma]

Ethiopia is under a civil war the federal government against Oromia, Amhara, Tigray & Somalia region
The other thing Eritrea will defend its sovereignty but Ethiopia is war mongering & threatening to invade Eritrea which is unlawful.

[cheeseburgersquadrobolx]

Eritrea, Saudi Arabia, N.Sudan and Egypt have been good friends for long time. It is not new!

[hailetamrat]

Abdi is not genuine enough to be here.He is a tplf mouthpiece .He is known for his work of activism . He is disminating boldy unsubstantiated propaganda . Can he tell us the particular place in which Eritrean forces r stationed in a place what he had called ';western tigray?'' Why he fails to mention the rlationship betwee one of the tplf faction with the eritrean govt.?can he tell us the type and amount of aid eritrea is providing to the Amhara? Is that due to the Eritrean aid the Amahra r there in Wolkayit Tegede? Is there a Fano fiighter in this area? He is just telling unsubstantiated facts circulating on social media . He also have a deeply rooted hatred to Christian Amharas due to thier pivotal role in defeating his uncle Said Barre.

[moeawale]

The topic is misleading. There is no regional competition or rivalry perse. But Ethiopia is trying to destabilize the whole region. It is bringing proxy actors like Emerates and potentially even Isrealis eventhough not eager to involve in rigt now. All other countries in the region are willing for cooperation, development, peace and mutual respect. Simple as that.

[Sanalaaneieu]

The Americans may withdraw from the Middle East, but they will find a place in Somaliland. After a long wait, Somaliland will achieve its goal because of its strategic geographic location.

[deresetesfa]

Is this only a middle Eastern and horn of Africa issue? What about the big powers?

[Ahmedmustafa]

Somaliland has the longest coastline in the Horn of Africa, stretching approximately 850 kilometers along the Gulf of Aden. This extensive coastline is rich in marine resources and holds great potential for fishing, trade, and tourism development.