Africa-Press – Mauritius. A feud between Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is overshadowing the African Union summit, as many African leaders aim to avoid taking sides. This rivalry started in Yemen and has spread to the Horn of Africa, which includes conflicts in Somalia, Sudan, and tensions between Ethiopia and Eritrea. The UAE has become a significant influence in the Horn through investments, diplomacy, and military support, while Saudi Arabia is forming alliances with Egypt, Turkey, and Qatar. A senior diplomat noted that Saudi Arabia is becoming more aware of the situation, realizing it risks losing control over the Red Sea.
While local factors drive these conflicts, Gulf involvement is forcing regional actors and even warlords to choose sides. An expert from the University of Maryland highlighted that countries like Eritrea and Sudan have become uneasy with the UAE’s aggressive foreign policy. Saudi officials claim UAE actions in Yemen and the Horn threaten their security. Meanwhile, Emirati officials argue their strategy strengthens governments against extremists, although some view it as escalating conflict and empowering authoritarian regimes.
Tensions are escalating, particularly in Somalia, where the government has severed ties with the UAE, accusing it of influencing Israel’s recognition of Somaliland. Somalia has since entered a defense agreement with Qatar, and Turkey has increased its military presence. Additionally, tensions are rising between Ethiopia and Eritrea, with analysts interpreting a recent visit by Eritrea’s leader to Saudi Arabia as a sign of Saudi support.
Saudi Arabia and the UAE are backing opposing sides in the conflict in Sudan, with the UAE allegedly providing logistics to the RSF paramilitary, while Saudi allies support the Sudanese Armed Forces. Egypt, allied with Saudi Arabia, has reportedly deployed drones against RSF targets in Sudan. Analysts suggest Ethiopia benefits from UAE support and that it is hosting military activities related to the RSF, although Ethiopia has not commented.
Experts noted that Saudi Arabia often operates through allies rather than direct involvement, prompting African countries to be cautious about getting involved in the rivalry between the Gulf powers. The Horn of Africa’s situation is a priority at the summit, overshadowing other crises like those in the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Sahel region. The Horn is seen as a battleground for Middle Eastern rivalries, raising questions about the future stability of the region.
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