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Diplomacy

A New Geopolitical Strategy for the Gulf of Aden and Bab el-Mandeb

Borkena · 3 weeks ago · Read the Full Story on Borkena
A New Geopolitical Strategy for the Gulf of Aden and Bab el-Mandeb
AI SUMMARY

Analyst Abdi Ali Barkad argues that the international community must adopt a new geopolitical strategy in the Gulf of Aden and Bab el-Mandeb by recognizing stable entities like Somaliland and South Yemen.

  • The Middle East and the Horn of Africa are experiencing severe geopolitical instability, driven by proxy conflicts, non-state armed actors, and threats to maritime routes.
  • Iran's growing influence and its backing of armed groups like the Houthis in Yemen and Al-Shabaab in Somalia directly threaten global supply chains and shipping lanes.
  • Disruptions in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a vital shipping chokepoint, increase transport costs and energy prices, forcing ships to bypass the region via the Cape of Good Hope.
  • Existing policies centered solely on military interventions and short-term political compromises have failed to yield lasting security.
  • A proposed long-term strategy suggests partnering with stable, accountable local institutions on both sides of the Gulf of Aden to build a resilient security framework.
  • The Republic of Somaliland has maintained relative stability, functioning institutions, and security along its strategic coastline and Berbera port since declaring independence in 1991.
  • A peaceful, internationally supervised political process to determine the future status of South Yemen could establish a stable partner controlling the critical port of Aden.
  • Global powers including the United States, EU, India, UAE, and Saudi Arabia are urged to shift from reactive crisis management toward supporting stable, representative political structures.
Read the Full Story on Borkena
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