Publications

Djibouti’s geostrategic importance

Country profile, external actors and Germany’s role in security policy

For some time now, the Horn of Africa has been the scene of strategic competition between external powers, which are continually expanding their military and economic influence in the region. Within the context of this rivalry, the small coastal state of Djibouti is of particular importance. Owing to its geostrategic location at the Bab al-Mandab Strait between the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, five states have already established permanent military bases there. Although Germany is not part of this group of countries, until a few years ago the German Navy was stationed off the Horn of Africa to work alongside European partners in combating maritime threats such as smuggling at sea, piracy and terrorism. In view of the recent resurgence of Somali piracy and the latent threat to international merchant shipping posed by the Yemeni Houthi militia, securing maritime trade routes in the Horn of Africa is more important than ever for Western nations.

Turbulent Seas

Understanding Maritime Terrorism off the East African Coastline

An analysis paper on maritime terrorism in East Africa by author Karl Wiesemeyer. Eleventh volume of the research and policy paper series "Security Dialogue for East Africa: Insights & Perspectives".

Insurgency, Economy and Politics in Cabo Delgado

An analysis paper on the recent military, humanitarian, economic and political developments of the Islamist insurgency in northern Mozambique’s province of Cabo Delgado by author Liazzat J. K. Bonate. Tenth volume of the research and policy paper series "Security Dialogue for East Africa: Insights & Perspectives".

Social Cohesion in Djibouti in Light of the Recent Inter-community Clashes

Over the past four years, Djibouti has seen repeated violent clashes between the (Somali) Issa and Afar communities, the country’s two dominant ethnic groups. The most recent intercommunal clashes occurred in December 2023 and resulted in at least one death, several injuries, and the burning of residential buildings. The clashes were the result of unprecedented violence, some of which is believed to have been imported into the country from Ethiopia. In Djibouti, specific identities are gaining prominence at the expense of inclusive identities, while social and institutional trust is eroding and cooperation for the common good remains weak.

Hybrid Power Projection by Authoritarian Small States

The UAE´s Strategic Engagement in East Africa from 2011 Onwards

An academic analysis of the UAE'S strategic investment in Sudan, South Sudan and Somaliland since 2011 by author Laurence N. Jost. Ninth volume of the research and policy paper series "Security Dialogue for East Africa: Insights & Perspectives".

Disrupted Lifelines: The Horn of Africa in the Wake of Trump’s USAID Freeze

The Impact of the withdrawal of USAID on the Horn of Africa

An anthology of the Impact of the withdrawal of USAID on Uganda, Kenya, Somalia, Somaliland, Sudan and South Sudan co-authored by Edgar Mwine, Susan Natumanya, Samuel Muhindo, Janice Sanya, Moustafa Ahmad, Mohamed Ali Hussein, Eynas Latef and Marlyn Leone Modi. Eighth volume of the research and policy paper series "Security Dialogue for East Africa: Insights & Perspectives"

The Rapid Support Forces and Sudan’s War of Visions

Paramilitary Power, Peripheral Identity, and the Struggle for a New Sudan

An in-depth analysis of the vision of the Rapid Support Forces in the Sudan conflict by author Daniel J. Deng. Seventh volume of the research and policy paper series "Security Dialogue for East Africa: Insights & Perspectives".

Navigating a Fragmented War Alliance

Assessing the Sudanese Armed Forces’ Role in Conflict Resolution

An in-depth analysis on the role of the Sudanese Armed Forces in the Sudan conflict by author Marja-Lina Marschall. Sixth volume of the research and policy paper series "Security Dialogue for East Africa: Insights & Perspectives".

Djiboutian Actors at the Core of the East African Migration Route

Management that considers regional realities and the pressure exerted by donors and international organisations

Serving as a destination and transit point for the migration of Eritreans, Ethiopians and Somalis to the Arabian Peninsula, Djibouti is fully integrated into ‘global migration governance’. To what extent is Djibouti adapting to the political requirements of this system, whilst preserving its sovereignty? What interests and constraints arise from this adaptation from a Djiboutian perspective? Fifth volume of the research and policy paper series "Security Dialogue for East Africa: Insights & Perspectives".

Regional Powerplay in the Red Sea

The Geopolitical Implications of Egypt’s Involvement in Somalia

On 14 August 2024, Egypt signed a defence pact with Somalia, with the stated intention of helping it maintain its sovereignty and territorial integrity and combatting terrorism. Egypt has since sent Somalia several military shipments including heavy artillery, anti-tank weapons, and armoured vehicles. Fourth volume of the research and policy paper series "Security Dialogue for East Africa: Insights & Perspectives".