Reconfiguring alliances in the Horn of Africa: implications for regional stability and integration

The trilateral alliance between Eritrea, Ethiopia and Somalia could heighten regional tensions and undermine IGAD's work.

While the trilateral alliance formed in 2018 by Eritrea, Ethiopia and Somalia has resolved some obstacles to peace in the Horn of Africa, it has also created new risks for stability and regional integration. Tensions between and within states that arose or were fuelled by the alliance need to be dealt with by governments in the region along with regional and international actors.

About the authors

Roba D Sharamo is Regional Director and Representative to the African Union, Horn of Africa and East Africa at the ISS in Addis Ababa.

Selam Tadesse Demissie is Research Officer in the Horn of Africa Security Analysis Programme at the ISS in Addis Ababa.