Into Africa

Horn of Africa: Conflict, Power, and New Alliances

Into Africa

Show Notes

The Horn of Africa is experiencing a profound, and dangerous geopolitical restructuring. From the war in Sudan, to renewed tension between Ethiopia and Eritrea, to rising security challenges in South Sudan, and Somalia’s governance struggles alongside ripple effects from Somaliland’s bid for international recognition, the region’s internal instability and volatility is reshaping international alliances and fueling a fierce competition for influence by global actors – from the Gulf to the West – who are vying for power, maritime routes, and strategic dominance. Samira Gaid, founding director of Balqiis Insights, and Amb (ret). Donald Booth, former U.S. special envoy to Sudan and South Sudan, join Oge for a discussion that illuminates a few key dynamics shaping the geopolitics in the Horn of Africa. They unpack the different players in the arena, their motivations, and what these dynamics mean for the region, and the global community.

More from Into Africa

Oct 22, 2026

South Africa's local government elections may be municipal contests, but the stakes are national. As South Africa prepares for its first nationwide electoral test since the ANC lost its parliamentary majority and entered coalition government at the national level, voters are weighing frustration over poor public services, coalition instability, and confidence in democratic institutions.

Oct 9, 2026

With the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) renewed through 2028, the United States has an opportunity to rethink its economic relationship with Africa. While U.S.-Africa trade has not kept pace with the growth of China-Africa trade, African countries are increasingly shaping their own economic future through initiatives such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). What would it take for the United States to remain a competitive economic partner, and what should a modern U.S.-Africa trade relationship look like?

Sep 24, 2026

As leaders gather in New York for the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), Africa sits at the center of many of the world's most consequential debates, from peace and security to climate, development, and global governance.

Sep 10, 2026

As Nigeria prepares for its 2027 elections, the country faces a critical test. Trust in electoral institutions is weakening, young voters are increasingly disillusioned, and demands for accountability are growing louder. These challenges extend beyond Nigeria, as countries across Africa grapple with questions of democratic credibility, governance, and public trust amid declining funding for democracy and governance programs. Despite these challenges, citizens and civil society across the continent continue to push for more accountable and responsive governance. On this episode of Into Africa, Oge Onubogu is joined by Samson Itodo, Executive Director of YIAGA Africa, to discuss Nigeria’s electoral landscape and the governance deficit at the heart of many of its challenges. Can Nigerians trust the 2027 elections, and what will it take to rebuild public confidence in the institutions that underpin democratic governance?

Aug 27, 2026

Africa’s economic future will be shaped in part by the movement of people, skills, and labor across the continent. Yet migration remains one of the most debated and politically sensitive issues in Africa and around the world, raising questions about jobs, borders, demographics, and social cohesion. Recent attacks against migrants in South Africa have brought these debates back into sharp focus, even as the African Union and the African Continental Free Trade Area push for deeper regional integration.

See all episodes →