By Yohannes Fentahun
Scholars approached by EBC World say that the root causes of security challenges in the Horn of Africa lie in the region's complex history.
Underlining that the formation of African states, contentious boundaries, and a lack of intra-regional cooperation, also contribute to the tumultuous landscape of the Horn of Africa, the scholars urged the need for understanding these factors to put in place lasting solutions for stability and prosperity in the region.
In a historical context the Horn of Africa has been marked by centuries of shifting power dynamics, colonial interventions, and struggles for independence. The arbitrary borders drawn during the colonial era often failed to reflect the ethnic, cultural, and linguistic realities of the region, sowing the seeds of future conflicts.
However, for Matt Bryden, strategic advisor for SAHAN, a think tank group based in Kenya, 'there is no single reason for the turmoil emerged in the horn of Africa.’
In addition the manner in which African states were formed post-independence further exacerbated tensions. Many nations inherited artificial borders that divided ethnic groups, leading to internal strife and territorial disputes.
The resultant fragmentation has hindered efforts towards cohesive governance and economic development. This in a nutshell is the argument forwarded by a Colombia University professor, Harry Verhoven.
‘The way in which states are formed in this part of the world is a big part of the reason both why there is violence within the states as well as between the states,’ Verhoven argued, adding ‘what makes the horn of Africa different from the rest of the world is it had European imperialism and African type imperialism.’
No less glaring a challenge in the Horn of Africa is the lack of meaningful cooperation among regional actors. Historical animosities, divergent interests, and a deficit of trust have hampered efforts to address common security threats collectively. Instead, the region has witnessed a proliferation of proxy wars and rivalries, exacerbating instability.
For Bryden of the SAHAN, think tank group, countries in the Horn are ‘perusing their interest with a lot of initiation outside the region through bilateral engagement.’ As a result little cohesion and coherence observed among states of the horn Bryden added.
To address the root causes of security challenges in the Horn of Africa, a multifaceted approach like prioritizing dialogue, inclusive governance, and economic integration, the region can chart a path towards sustainable peace and development. //