Djibouti: geopolitical chokepoint
Djibouti, strategically positioned at the crossroads of key international shipping routes, serves as a vital nexus for global trade, security operations, and diplomatic engagements in the Horn of Africa.
This is why whatever happens in this tiny nation is relevant to us all:
Djibouti is not the only country in the region that experienced increased interest by foreign powers. The United Arab Emirates has established a military presence in neighboring Eritrea and Somaliland. The latter declared its secession from Somalia.
Somalia houses a Turkish military training facility. Turkey may build a naval dock for military use in neighboring Sudan.
Eritrea also accommodates military installations operated by Russia. Russia is a major arms supplier to the African continent and is actively pursuing permanent bases in Sudan and other countries on the continent, such as Libya.
World’s longest submarine cable lands in Djibouti. At 45,000 km and circling the African continent, the subsea cable is the longest fiber optic cable in the world and connects three continents: Africa, Asia, and Europe, and 33 countries across 46 landing points.
Cutting some of these global internet cables can bring the internet down between Europe and Asia.
The Horn of Africa region has a history of conflicts, including border disputes, ethnic tensions, and separatist movements. Ongoing conflicts, such as those in Somalia and Sudan, contribute to the volatile nature of the region. The region also shares a maritime border with Yemen, a country grappling with a complex internal conflict. Meanwhile, the recent fighting in Ethiopia has destabilized its neighboring countries.
The presence of terrorist groups, such as Al-Shabaab and other extremist organizations, poses security challenges in the region. These groups can disrupt stability and hinder transparency in affected areas.
The Horn of Africa region, particularly the coast of Somalia, has been notorious for piracy incidents in the past. Maritime security concerns, including illegal fishing and smuggling, contribute to the challenges faced in ensuring transparency and security in the maritime domain.
The Horn of Africa is a region with significant refugee and migration flows, often triggered by conflicts, political instability, and economic challenges. These movements of people can strain resources, create social tensions, and impact the overall stability of the region..