Somalilandsun: The eyes of the world are fixed on the rising tensions in the Middle East as Israel’s war continues in Gaza and Syria falls back into chaos, dominating global news coverage. Yet the world cannot afford to overlook the rising tensions in the Horn of Africa posing a serious threat to both regional and international peace and security.
In his opinion published by Newsweek, Motaz Zahran Ambassador of Egypt to the United States adds For the past year, the Houthis have disrupted global commerce in one of the world’s most crucial waterways, the Red Sea leading to the Suez Canal, but this is only the tip of the iceberg. Instability in the Horn of Africa was exacerbated following Ethiopia’s decision to undermine the internationally recognized sovereignty and territorial integrity of Somalia by signing an agreement with the region of Somaliland. This enables the terrorist group Al-Shabab to recruit militants, spread their destructive ideology, and expand operations beyond Somalia’s borders under the guise of preventing Somalia’s disintegration.
Coordination between Al-Shabab and the Houthis will only add fuel to fire to engulf the Bab Al Mandeb Strait.
The Horn of Africa and the Red Sea is of critical importance to global economic security due to the integrated nature of global supply chains. 12 percent of world trade flows through the Red Sea, and disruptions to this flow affect the global economy.
The recent elections in Somaliland are an important development, as they create an opportunity, if seized correctly, to considerably reduce tensions in the region. Ethiopia should revoke its agreement with Somaliland, and the U.S. should put in use its political clout to mediate between Mogadishu and Hargeisa to settle, once and for all, the nature of their relationship within a unified Somalia. Under this arrangement, it would still be possible for all international and regional stakeholders to enhance ties with Somaliland while preserving the region’s stability and combatting terrorism. The present agreement between Ethiopia and Somaliland directly defies the realization of these goals.
Continue reading Stability in the Horn of Africa Is Vital to Global Trade and Security
