The Evolving Roles of the Gulf States in the Horn of Africa

Abstract

The Gulf States and the Horn of Africa have had close cultural exchanges since ancient times, with linguistic, cultural and religious ties laying a solid foundation for the development of strategic cooperation between the two sides. After the Arab Spring, the Gulf countries have maintained their political stability and increased their strength. The war in Yemen pushed the geopolitical frontline of the Gulf countries to the opposite side of the Horn of Africa. The Gulf states, with their considerable financial resources, have increased their presence in the Horn of Africa through aid and investment. They are also actively involved in Horn of Africa politics, using their economic leverage to mediate conflicts and expand their political influence. They use the Horn of Africa as an extended battleground for geopolitical competition between them. However, the lack of strength of the Gulf states, the low return on investment, the reconciliation between the Gulf states, and the return of major powers to the Horn of Africa have reduced the momentum of their involvement in the Horn of Africa, prompting them to re-examine their Horn of Africa policies and to be more pragmatic in their political engagement and economic cooperation with the Horn of Africa countries.