Executive Summary
This edition of the HORN Bulletin presents four critical analyses on security, geopolitics, and governance in the Horn of Africa. The first article, “Crisis in the DRC: Diplomacy or War?” examines the escalating conflict in eastern DRC post-2023 elections, assessing the roles of armed groups, regional actors like Rwanda and Uganda, and the challenges of diplomatic versus military solutions. The second article, “Somaliland’s Geopolitical Struggle,” analyzes Somaliland’s strategic importance in global trade, its pursuit of international recognition, and the influence of foreign alliances on its sovereignty and security. The third article, “East Africa’s Balancing Act,” explores how countries like Kenya, Ethiopia, and Djibouti manage Western and non-Western influences, balancing economic growth, security, and diplomatic ties. The fourth article, “Religious Councils & Electoral Violence,” investigates the role of National Inter-Religious Councils in mitigating electoral violence, showing that councils with strong expertise reduce conflict, while weaker ones risk exacerbating tensions.
