The Atlantic Council’s Africa Center hosted a vital discussion on the Horn of Africa, focusing on political and security instability, particularly in Sudan, Ethiopia, and Somalia. Experts outlined ongoing conflicts, the impact of US foreign policy, and regional dynamics, emphasizing the importance of a cohesive strategy involving local and international actors. Economic growth potential amid conflicts and the significant role of the youth were also highlighted.
On February 10, the Atlantic Council’s Africa Center hosted a discussion on the evolving political, security, and economic landscape of the Horn of Africa, emphasizing the region’s volatility and geopolitical tensions. Senior Director Rama Yade highlighted the need to focus on the region’s persistent issues, including genocides and fragile peace efforts. The event featured prominent experts including EJ Hogendoorn, Magdi Amin, Laurent Ploch Blanchard, Alan Boswell, Kholood Khair, and Michael Woldemariam, who provided insights into the shifting dynamics.
Michael Woldemariam discussed the critical security and political crises, particularly Ethiopia’s intense internal conflicts involving the Oromia and Amhara regions. He labeled the Pretoria peace deal between the Ethiopian government and the Tigrayan People’s Liberation Front as precarious, with both Eritrea and Djibouti facing potential instability due to aging leadership. Additionally, Somalia’s transition to a smaller African Union peacekeeping mission amid ongoing battles with Al-Shabaab was addressed as a pivotal point for the nation.
Kholood Khair brought attention to the fragmentation in Sudan due to its ongoing war, labeling it a political “football” amid Middle Eastern disputes. She emphasized the complexity of securing diplomatic resolutions as external powers influence the conflict’s dynamics. Laurent Ploch Blanchard provided an analysis of U.S. policy, highlighting its focus on security interests like navigation freedom and counterterrorism, while noting potential shifts due to changing congressional pressures on foreign aid.
Magdi Amin discussed economic prospects despite prevalent violence, asserting that East Africa is the fastest-growing area on the continent. He highlighted the region’s youthful population and digital advancements as vital economic growth drivers. However, he expressed concern regarding the impact of U.S. foreign aid freezes potentially diminishing support for democratic and stable governance.
Alan Boswell described the Red Sea as a global competition stage, with various external actors vying for influence. He warned against the risk of Ethiopia and Eritrea entering a larger conflict that could destabilize the Red Sea corridor. The speakers collectively agreed on the necessity for regional strategies involving both African and Middle Eastern stakeholders to resolve the Horn’s conflicts.
The discussion concluded with an optimistic note from Amin, who emphasized the innovative potential of Africa’s youth. He proposed a shift from aid dependency to investment in local entrepreneurship to empower the region. Overall, the event emphasized the Horn of Africa’s complexities and the urgent need for cohesive, inclusive international engagement to address the challenges it faces.
The Atlantic Council’s event underscored the complex geopolitical and security issues in the Horn of Africa. Key insights highlighted the interplay of internal conflicts, external influences, and economic opportunities. The discussions indicated a pressing need for cohesive regional and international strategies to address violence, enhance stability, and leverage the resilient potential of the youth in the region, emphasizing investment over aid for sustainable growth.
Original Source: www.atlanticcouncil.org
