Some may see it as creating a new era of international competition in the Horn of Africa - but the real issue is it may appear more of a strategic chessboard than it is.
Following Israel’s recognition of the state of Somaliland , there has been much discussion surrounding why the recognition is taking place now and to what end.
Given that Somaliland is situated in the Horn of Africa, with neighbors such as Ethiopia and Djibouti, the Israeli recognition is, above all, raising eyebrows regarding what is nearby – the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea.
The Bab al-Mandab Strait separates these two bodies of water. This is an economic choke point for shipping heading from the Mediterranean to the Indian Ocean. As such, this is globally considered to be a vitally important trade zone.
The Iranian-backed Houthis have terrorized shipping for the last several years in this area. They claimed to do so due to the war in Gaza. Decades ago, moreover, Somali pirates routinely attacked ships off East Africa’s coast.
A new era of international competition in the Horn of Africa
This area is now in the spotlight amid Israel’s recognition of Somaliland. Some may see the move as marking the beginning of a new era of international competition in this part of Africa. Many countries are already involved.
