Cairo, Egypt – Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit warned of the serious repercussions of what he described as growing Israeli influence in the Horn of Africa. He stressed that these moves have strategic and security dimensions that extend beyond traditional bilateral relations, impacting regional balances and Arab national security.
Aboul Gheit explained that the Horn of Africa is one of the most geopolitically sensitive regions due to its strategic location overlooking the Red Sea and international maritime routes. This includes the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a vital artery for global trade and energy. He added that any changes in the balance of power within this region will have direct repercussions on security and stability in the Arab world.
He noted that monitoring Israeli activities in the Horn of Africa raises numerous questions about its long-term objectives. This is especially relevant given the increasing international competition for influence in the region and the overlapping political, military, and economic interests of several regional and international powers.
The Secretary-General of the Arab League emphasized the necessity of strengthening Arab cooperation with African countries. He also stressed the importance of building robust developmental, economic, and political partnerships that contribute to protecting shared interests and curbing any attempts to reshape the balance of power in a way that could affect regional security.
Aboul Gheit’s statements come at a time when the Horn of Africa is witnessing rapid transformations on the political and security levels. The region is also experiencing growing international attention due to its increasing strategic importance in regional and international power dynamics.
