Gulf States

The Horn of Africa, encompassing Ethiopia, Somalia, Djibouti, and Eritrea, serves as a strategic hub along the vital trade route connecting the Suez Canal to the Indian Ocean, positioned directly across the Red Sea from the Middle East. The United Arab Emirates has established a prominent, though controversial, footprint in eastern Africa, including documented support for Sudan's Rapid Support Forces paramilitaries, despite official denials. This rivalry is sparking new alliances, with Somalia recently terminating all agreements with the UAE.