East Africa: The New Scramble for Horn of Africa - Global Powers' Expanding Footprint - Ethiopia's Maritime Ambition
AllAfrica
February 26, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The 39th Ordinary Session of the African Union (AU) Assembly, held in Addis Abeba from February 11 to 15, 2026, took place amidst a backdrop of clashing priorities. While the summit's official theme, "Water as a Vital Resource for Life, Development, and Sustainability," aimed to promote the "Africa Water Vision 2063," its proceedings were overshadowed by broader geopolitical tensions and competing interests on the continent. The gathering highlighted the growing influence of global powers in East Africa, particularly in Ethiopia's maritime ambitions, which have become a focal point for regional and international stakeholders.
Ethiopia's push to expand its maritime footprint in the Red Sea and Indian Ocean has drawn significant attention from external actors. China, the United States, and Russia are increasingly vying for influence in the region, with strategic port investments and military partnerships becoming key tools of engagement. This expansion is not just about economic gains but also about securing geopolitical leverage, as these waters are critical for global trade routes and energy supplies.
The summit's discussions were further complicated by internal divisions among African nations over how to balance national interests with regional cooperation. Issues such as climate change, resource scarcity, and rising tensions between states like Ethiopia and Eritrea dominated the agenda. These challenges underscored the need for a unified approach to water management, but practical solutions remained elusive due to competing priorities.
The AU's session also revealed the broader implications of global power dynamics on African sovereignty. As external powers intensify their presence in East Africa, there are growing concerns about neocolonialist tendencies and the potential marginalization of local voices in decision-making processes. This dynamic raises critical questions about how African nations can assert their autonomy while benefiting from international partnerships.
Ultimately, the summit served as a reminder that Africa's developmental goals must navigate a complex global landscape. The interplay between water scarcity, geopolitical competition, and external influence will shape the continent's future. For readers interested in global affairs, this underscores the importance of understanding how regional ambitions and international rivalries intersect in shaping Africa's destiny.
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Originally published on AllAfrica on 2/26/2026