Prof. PLO Lumumba, a longstanding advocate of African unity and self-directed development, has discussed the factors driving political tensions in Africa, particularly in the Horn of Africa.
#Ethiopia’s pursuit of access to the sea has raised concerns across the region, especially in Eritrea. Eritrea has reportedly interpreted Ethiopia’s position as a threat to Assab, its Red Sea port.
These concerns have been compounded by Ethiopia’s rejection of Djibouti’s reported demand that any port made available to Ethiopia remain under Djiboutian administration and use.
PLOLumumba also pointed to foreign involvement, citing Egypt, #Somalia, and other countries. He described Egypt as joining Saudi Arabia and Pakistan in a power bloc opposed to Ethiopia, while Somalia has aligned itself with Turkey and Egypt.
In Lumumba’s view, political conflicts in Africa are fueled by dependence on foreign interests and by mistrust among African countries, which can lead them to seek outside alliances.
