Miscellaneous
The Gulf states are expanding their role in the Horn of Africa and broadening its ties to the region. The Emirates and Saudi Arabia helped broker the peace deal that ended the 20 year war between Ethiopia and Eritrea, the establishment of a new Red Sea security alliance is on the steps, the UAE has a military base in Eritrea and building another one in Somaliland, while Qatar and Turkey are refurbishing a port in Sudan. Why? Turmoil in the Middle East, growing rivalry about regional influence, piracy from Somalia and the war in Yemen have made Africa's Horn a core strategic interest for the Gulf states. Between 2000 and 2017 Gulf states invested $13bn in the Horn of Africa (Clingendael Institute). Closer relations across the Red Sea can improve intra-African relationship and cooperation with the Gulf states, but how can African states on the Horn resist unwarranted interferences in their internal policy decisions and ensure they get the best deal for themselves?