The race for the Red Sea

What the report says

The Independent Uganda says the Red Sea is becoming a major geopolitical flashpoint, with African states seeking maritime access, Gulf countries expanding their influence and outside powers moving to safeguard shipping routes. In the article, the Red Sea is described as a strategic corridor linking Africa, the Arabian Peninsula, the Suez Canal and the Indian Ocean, and as a space shaped by trade, military interests and regional rivalries.

A central focus is the growing tension between Ethiopia and Eritrea. The publisher reports that Ethiopia closed its embassy in Asmara on October 1 and expelled Eritrean diplomats, while Eritrea severed relations in response. The dispute is tied to Ethiopia’s long-running search for dependable sea access after becoming landlocked in 1993, with Djibouti currently handling most of its external trade. The article says Ethiopia’s interest in Eritrean ports, especially Assab, has raised concern in Asmara about possible territorial ambitions.

The piece also links the Red Sea contest to wider instability in the Horn of Africa and beyond. It notes warnings from analysts and research groups that renewed conflict involving Ethiopia, Eritrea, Tigray, Sudan and other actors could pull in Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Iran and Russia. Sudan’s war is presented as another layer of this struggle because of its Red Sea coastline and the involvement of regional backers on opposing sides.

The article further highlights Somaliland’s diplomatic outreach, including Israel’s recognition of Somaliland and the arrival of Israel’s first ambassador there. Overall, The Independent Uganda argues that control of ports and sea lanes is increasingly shaping security, diplomacy and power balances across the Horn of Africa.