Horn of Africa instability and insecurity discussed in two key forums in Djibouti

As the Horn of Africa is facing multiple and complex challenges, two important forums have recently brought together experts, politicians, diplomats and traditional leaders to discuss ways to strengthen regional stability and security.
The Horn of Africa is currently experiencing high levels of instability and political violence, from the civil wars in Ethiopia and Sudan, to escalating tensions between Somalia and Ethiopia, to the al-Shabaab insurgency in Somalia. Scholars, politicians and traditional leaders from across the Horn of Africa gathered in Djibouti on Monday (25 November) for an annual three-day forum on strengthening regional stability. Organized by the Mogadishu-based Heritage Institute for Policy Studies, its executive director, Mursal Saney, said the forum is providing an opportunity for Somalis from across the region to discuss issues of concern. This year’s forum comes amid growing tensions between Somalia and Ethiopia over a port deal Addis Ababa signed in January with Somaliland, a breakaway region.
Meanwhile, the East Africa Security Forum (EASF) was held from 21-13 November at Camp Lemonnier in Djibouti. The forum, hosted by Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA), aimed to enhance US collaboration with regional partners and address complex security issues. It brought together senior leaders and distinguished guests from US government agencies, military and diplomatic missions, as well as representatives from partner nations. Panelists explored strategies for building a more collaborative approach to East African security, emphasizing how the private sector can contribute to broader, long-term stability. The forum also highlighted how US government agencies are managing inter- and intra-state conflicts in the region, focusing on security challenges linked to tribal and national affiliations.