Report

Competition, Cooperation and Security in the Red Sea

The Red Sea and its environs, which includes several countries in the Horn of Africa, are lately receiving increased global attention. Several geopolitical dynamics make it a unique space, often marked by division rather than unity. There are concerns that the shared space is not adequately managed and that new responses are needed to address this. This report assesses current developments, covering ongoing rivalries in the Red Sea and recommendations for future collaboration. This report is based on desktop research and regional discussions in the Horn of Africa, incorporating interviews with selected key actors and resource personnel. The report covers issues relevant to both sides of the Red Sea, but with a dominant Horn of Africa frame in mind. In addition, while the focus primarily revolves around the geographic confines of the Red Sea, the discussion also includes the adjacent Gulf of Aden where relevant.