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Saudi Effort to Distance Iran from the Horn of Africa

Al-Arabiyah, Saudi Arabia, Originally Posted in Arabic on October 23

In recent years, Tehran has invested great efforts in strengthening its ties with Ethiopia, Djibouti, Somalia, and Sudan – four countries located in the Horn of Africa.

The Iranian Navy also deployed forces in Bab al-Mandeb, in an effort to exhort control over the Gulf of Aden. It is through these connections, for example, that allowed Iran to smuggle weapons to the hands of Hamas in the Gaza Strip.

Recently, however, we are witnessing a Saudi effort to defy and challenge this Iranian spread. Last week, King Salman hosted the leaders of Ethiopia, Djibouti, and Eritrea in Riyadh, in an attempt to rekindle the Kingdom’s relationship with its African neighbors.

Evidence of the warming up of ties was already evident in Sudan’s recent decision to join the Saudi-led coalition against the Houthi rebels in Yemen. Khartoum sent ground and air forces to the Gulf, to assist the Saudi military efforts. There have also been discussions on forming a Saudi-led  police force that would patrol international waters and prevent piracy and terrorism, backed by the countries in the region.

It seems as if in the wake of the recent deal with Iran, Riyadh is willing to go to great lengths to ensure its stance in the Gulf. It will do whatever it can to rid the region of Iranian influence.

At the same time, it is also looking towards Southeast Asia, where many Muslim countries – mainly Malaysia and Indonesia – could serve its interests. It is only a matter of time until Riyadh launches new initiatives there, too.  – Hassan al-Mustafa