Beyond Entitlement: A Vision for Cooperation Among Equals in the Horn of Africa

By B. Tekle 

The Horn of Africa stands at a critical juncture, where the ghosts of expansionist ambitions and the promise of genuine regional integration are in a tense standoff. For decades, the region has been defined by cycles of conflict, often fueled by a perceived sense of entitlement and the pursuit of regional hegemony. However, a different path exists—one rooted in the principle of cooperation among equals. This vision, long championed by Eritrea, offers a sustainable framework for trade, security, and integration that rejects the destabilizing logic of domination.

The current geopolitical climate is increasingly clouded by rhetoric that challenges the very foundations of sovereign integrity. Recent developments, including provocative territorial claims and the circulation of maps that disregard internationally recognized borders, serve as a stark reminder of the dangers of “entitlement politics”. When a state views its neighbors’ resources or territories as its own by historical or geographical right, it undermines the legal and diplomatic architecture that maintains regional peace. Such posturing, often described as a “Potemkin” strategy of optics and illusion, may serve domestic political ends but carries catastrophic risks for the collective security of the Horn.

Eritrea’s regional vision is anchored in the belief that true cooperation cannot be demanded or dictated by those who think are “largest” actors. Instead, it must emerge from a foundation of mutual trust, respect and the sovereign equality of states. This approach is not merely theoretical; it is reflected in recent diplomatic initiatives. The trilateral summit held in Asmara in October 2024 between the leaders of Eritrea, Somalia, and Egypt stands as a practical example of this model. By focusing on shared security concerns and the protection of territorial integrity, these nations demonstrated that cooperation is most effective when it is based on common interests rather than hierarchical demands.

The following table illustrates the fundamental differences between the outdated model of regional entitlement and the emerging vision of cooperation among equals:

In the realm of trade and economic cooperation, the “cooperation among equals” model advocates for infrastructure and logistics partnerships that benefit all parties without creating cycles of dependency or infringing on sovereignty. The Red Sea, a vital global maritime artery, should be a zone of collaborative security and economic opportunity. Rather than seeking to monopolize access or control, regional players must work toward a framework where ports and trade routes are managed through bilateral and multilateral agreements that respect the laws of the sea and the rights of coastal states.

However, the path to this cooperative future is not without challenges. The Horn of Africa has long been a theater for external interference, where global powers often exacerbate local tensions to advance their own strategic interests. A key pillar of Eritrea’s foreign policy, the principle of self-reliance and non-reliance on foreign aid, is essential in this context. By minimizing external dependency, regional states can ensure that their integration efforts are driven by local needs rather than foreign agendas.

Furthermore, the historical baggage of the region requires a commitment to “true multilateralism.” This means moving beyond the failures of institutions that have, at times, been co-opted by hegemonic interests or used to provide a veneer of legitimacy for intervention. Future cooperation must be built on transparent, win-win agreements that prioritize the stability of the entire region over the ambitions of a single state.

To realize this vision, several recommendations are paramount. First, all regional actors must strictly adhere to internationally recognized borders and the principles of international law. Second, security cooperation should be institutionalized through frameworks that respect the sovereignty of each member, focusing on counter-terrorism and maritime safety. Third, economic cooperation should prioritize projects that link the region’s markets through fair trade practices and shared infrastructure.

The Horn of Africa does not need a hegemon; it needs partners. The era of “entitlement” must give way to an era of “equality.” By embracing a vision where every nation’s sovereignty is sacrosanct and every partnership is based on mutual benefit, the region can finally break the cycle of conflict and build a future of shared prosperity. This is not just an Eritrean vision; it is the only viable path for a stable and integrated Horn of Africa.