Horn Of Africa

Horn of Africa, situated in the eastern part of the continent, is a region rich in cultural connections and historical significance. This area encompasses the nations of Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, and Somalia, where the cultures have been intertwined for centuries. Specifically, the Somali peninsula, a key component of the Horn of Africa, refers to the territories of Somalia and eastern Ethiopia.

What is the Horn of Africa?

The Horn of Africa is a peninsula located in northeastern Africa, jutting out into the Arabian Sea. It is home to a diverse range of landscapes, including mountains, plateaus, deserts, and coastlines. The region is also known for its rich biodiversity and unique wildlife.

Geographical Background

The Horn of Africa, comprising Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, and Somalia, is a region where cultures have been interwoven for centuries, creating a vibrant tapestry in Africa’s eastern area.
Ethiopia is currently undertaking the construction of the Grand Renaissance Dam on the Nile River, showcasing the nation’s commitment to harnessing its resources for development.
Situated hundreds of kilometers into the Arabian Sea and to the south of the Gulf of Aden, the Horn of Africa holds a strategic position with significant geopolitical implications.
In ancient and medieval times, the region was recognized as Bilad al Barbar or Berber Land, reflecting its historical importance and influence.
The Horn of Africa encompasses Somalia, Ethiopia, Eritrea, and Djibouti, each contributing to the region’s diverse cultural and historical heritage.
Home to approximately 115 million people and covering about 2 million square kilometers, the Horn of Africa is a populous and expansive region. Ethiopia, with a population of 96.6 million, leads the demographic landscape, followed by Somalia (10.4 million), Eritrea (6.4 million), and Djibouti (0.81 million).

Importance to India

India’s foreign policy prioritises Africa and the Indian Ocean region.
India has a long history of working with African countries through soft power efforts.
Ethiopia is the largest African beneficiary of India’s concessional lines of credit.
Djibouti’s strategic location at the junction of the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean, as well as its position as a crossroads connecting Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, has made it a particularly appealing piece of geopolitical real estate.
Because of its proximity to India, Africa, particularly the Horn of Africa, is vital to India’s security.
Djibouti has resurfaced on India’s political radar as a result of China’s strategic gains in the Horn.
India’s involvement in ensuring peace and stability in the Horn of Africa area in order to combat the terrorist threat.
The International Solar Alliance (ISA) serves as a collaborative forum for bilateral and regional collaboration.

Concerns about the Horn and International Borders

Somali pirates pose a grave danger in the waters along the Somali coast and the Gulf of Aden, crucial pathways for a substantial portion of global trade and energy transport.
The piracy issue intensified markedly by the close of 2016, with incidents becoming more frequent, expansive, aggressive, and intense, raising concerns globally.
Ongoing pirate activities, coupled with the potential for connections to foreign terrorist organizations, have sparked widespread apprehension among the international community.
The region faces elevated maternal and child mortality rates due to local conflicts over access to and distribution of natural resources. This has led to a surge in displaced populations, both internally and as refugees.
In light of the highest maternal and child death rates globally, people are compelled to flee the region due to a humanitarian crisis, contributing to a significant number of internally displaced individuals and refugees.

China’s influence in the Horn of Africa

In the past decade, China has shown increasing interest in the Horn of Africa, particularly due to its active deployment of naval troops to combat piracy in the Gulf of Aden.
Despite a significant decrease in piracy activities in recent years, China continues to strengthen its geopolitical presence in the region, signaling a long-term commitment beyond immediate security concerns.
President Xi Jinping’s One Belt One Road initiative has played a pivotal role in China’s engagement with the Horn of Africa, leading to substantial infrastructural development projects.
A notable example is the 750-kilometer rail link between Ethiopia and Djibouti, showcasing China’s involvement in major infrastructure development that enhances connectivity in the region.
Beijing has secured rights to a facility in Djibouti capable of accommodating up to 10,000 soldiers until 2026, marking China’s inaugural foreign military base and underlining its strategic interests in the area.
While China is actively establishing itself in the Horn, it’s important to note that other nations, such as France, also have historical ties in the region, with Djibouti having hosted a significant concentration of foreign soldiers due to its colonial past.

What Impact does China’s connection with the Horn of Africa have on India?

Djibouti, like Bangladesh, Myanmar, and Sri Lanka, may become part of China’s “string of pearls” of military ties and assets surrounding India.
The Indian Ocean transports 80% of the world’s oil and a third of the world’s bulk goods.
China is aiming to increase its influence in the Indian Ocean by safeguarding its energy and commerce transportation linkages along the important maritime route. It also invests in infrastructure projects such as ports, highways, and trains.
President Xi Jinping’s grandiose One Belt, One Road project to create a new Silk Route features the Indian Ocean prominently.
In Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Pakistan, through constructing ports and other infrastructure.
The Indian Ocean is also becoming a popular destination for countries seeking a larger role in global affairs.
China has increased its presence in the Indian Ocean, which New Delhi regards to be within its sphere of influence, citing anti-piracy patrols and freedom of navigation as reasons for the Indian Navy’s increased monitoring of key waterways.

Way Forward

Horn of Africa is a region brimming with potential despite longstanding challenges like persistent conflicts, political instability, and environmental issues. However, amidst these difficulties, there are reasons to remain optimistic about the prospect of positive change. Collaborative efforts that address the underlying causes of instability and foster sustainable development are crucial for envisioning a brighter future for the Horn of Africa.