Inside the Horn of Africa: Why Eritrea is the Most Overlooked Force of the Region!

Thu, 07 May 2026 15:33:36 +0000

Inside the Horn of Africa: Why Eritrea Is the Most Overlooked Force of the Region When many people think of the Horn of Africa, names like Ethiopia, Somalia, and Djibouti often dominate the conversation. Yet tucked away in the northeastern coastal belt lies Eritrea—a nation rich in history, culture, and strategic significance, yet shockingly underappreciated on the global stage. Far from being passive, Eritrea is a subtle yet powerful force shaping regional dynamics, geopolitics, and development across the Red Sea and beyond. This article uncovers why Eritrea remains the most overlooked yet indispensable player in the volatile Horn of Africa. ### Eritrea’s Strategic Position: A Geopolitical Crossroads Eritrea occupies a prime location on the Red Sea, bordering Sudan, Ethiopia, and Djibouti. Its coastal capital, Asmara, hosts critical maritime routes linking the Mediterranean to the Indian Ocean via the Gulf of Aden—one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes. Controlling access to this maritime chokepoint gives Eritrea significant geopolitical leverage, especially as global powers vie for influence in the region.