Foreign Policy Watch: India-Africa

Horn of Africa

Prelims Only | International Relations | Mains Paper 2: Important International Institutions
Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :

Prelims level: Horn of Africa and adjacent region

Horn of Africa

Why in the News?

According to a joint report by the UN and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), at least 65 million people are food insecure in the Horn of Africa.

Food Insecurity in Horn of Africa Region:

Of the 65 million affected, 36 million reside in IGAD member states: Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, and Uganda.

Main Causes:

  • Extreme weather and climate change are primary drivers of food insecurity, leading to severe conditions.
  • Conflict has also destroyed infrastructure and sources of food and income, worsening the situation.

About the Horn of Africa:

Details
Location A peninsula in northeastern Africa, extending into the Arabian Sea.
Geographical Composition Comprises the countries of Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, and Somalia.
Population Approximately 115 million people.
Area Covers about 2 million square kilometers.
Geographical Features Includes mountains, plateaus, deserts, and coastlines. Significant areas include the Ethiopian Plateau, Ogaden Desert, and Eritrean and Somalian coasts.
Historical Name Known as Bilad al Barbar or Berber Land in ancient times.
Significance
  • Known for diverse landscapes and unique biodiversity.
  • Strategic importance due to proximity to oil-producing regions in the Middle East.
Key Bodies of Water
  • Lies to the south of the Gulf of Aden and along the southern boundary of the Red Sea.
  • Grand Renaissance Dam: Under construction by Ethiopia on the Nile River, impacting regional water dynamics.
Shipping Routes Major shipping routes pass through the Red Sea, with Djibouti serving as a critical maritime hub for international trade.
Climate Characterized by a mix of arid, semi-arid, and temperate climates, influencing agriculture and livelihoods in the region.

Geopolitical and strategic importance for India:

  • The Horn of Africa is located near the Middle East, a region vital for global oil production.
    • Around 40% of Middle Eastern oil flows through the Red Sea shipping lanes adjacent to the Horn, making it a critical point for energy security.
  • Djibouti and the surrounding areas control access to the Bab el Mandeb Strait, which links the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden and is one of the world’s busiest maritime chokepoints.
  • Several countries, including the US, France, and China, have established military bases in Djibouti to secure their interests in this strategic region.
  • China’s presence in Djibouti and other Horn of Africa nations aligns with its “string of pearls” strategy, which aims to secure military and economic footholds around India.
  • The Horn region serves as a gateway to Africa for Indian investments in infrastructure, energy, and mining sectors.
  • The region, particularly Somalia, poses threats from Pirates and terrorist groups like Al-Shabaab.

PYQ:

[2016] Consider the following statements:

  1. The India-Africa Summit
  2. held in 2015 was the third such Summit
  3. was actually initiated by Jawaharlal Nehru in 1951

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

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