Research Article

GEOPOLITICAL TENSIONS AND PEACEBUILDING EFFORTS IN THE HORN OF AFRICA

ISSN: 3067-2449

DOI Prefix: 10.5281/zenodo.

Authors: Tesfaye Alemu Bekele
Published: Volume 1, Issue 1 (2025)
Date: February 7, 2025

Abstract

The term "Horn of Africa" has evolved from a geographical label to a complex concept that encompasses various socio-political, economic, and cultural dynamics of the region. Historically associated with the ancient β€œLand of Punt” or Terra Aromatica, the Horn of Africa covers a vast area in northeastern Africa, including Somalia, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Djibouti, Sudan, and South Sudan. Despite the historical and geographical connotations, there is no universally agreed-upon definition of the Horn of Africa. The region’s boundaries are often described as extending from the Indian Ocean in the east to the borders of Chad in the west, and from Egypt in the north to Uganda and Kenya in the south. Initially, the concept of the Horn was primarily concerned with Somali-Ethiopian relations, but it has expanded to reflect broader issues such as security challenges, ethnic conflicts, and political instability that affect the entire region. The region’s strategic importance due to its location on the Gulf of Aden has heightened international interest in understanding its security dynamics. This study delves into the key security challenges facing the Horn of Africa and proposes pragmatic peace-building strategies for addressing these issues. By exploring the historical context and current security concerns, this paper offers insights into the root causes of instability and presents theories for sustainable peace-building in the region