The Horn of Africa Gets a New Rivalry

A Regional Summit Turned Into a Battlefield

What started as a fight in Yemen has now spread across the Red Sea, touching places like Somalia, Sudan, Ethiopia, Eritrea, and Libya.

The UAE's Expansive Influence

• Invested billions in the region.
• Built diplomatic ties and quietly supplied military help.

Saudi Arabia's Counter-Moves

• Keeping a lower profile but forming alliances with Egypt, Turkey, and Qatar to counter the UAE’s influence.

Local Leaders and Warlords Caught in the Middle

• Pressured to pick sides due to the tension.
• African countries fear the UAE’s strong presence.
• Saudi officials claim that UAE actions threaten their security.

Visible Conflicts and Real Events

1. Somalia cut ties with the UAE after it backed Israel’s recognition of Somaliland.
2. Eritrea and Ethiopia are close to war.
3. UAE supports one side in Sudan while Saudi allies back the other.

Expert Warnings

• African states should stay cautious and avoid getting drawn into a Gulf power struggle.
• Other crises like the war in Congo also matter.