China’s Contemporary Strategies for the Promotion of Security, Development, and Governance in the Horn of Africa

Abstract

This study focuses on “China’s Contemporary Strategies for Promoting Security, Development, and Governance in the Horn of Africa”. This study explored the key outcomes and challenges of these new strategies by China for security, development, and governance in the Horn of Africa region. The Horn of Africa as it is often called is one of the most culturally, religiously, and ethnically diverse and growing cosmopolitan regions in Africa. The region comprises countries with the most similar as well as unique philosophies. The strategic proximity of the region to the Middle East, Europe, and Asia underscores its strategic importance. However, these cultural, religious, and ethnic philosophies have for some ages thrown the region into a severe crisis. The Horn of Africa to date continues to be the most conflict-prone area in Africa. The finding indicates the strategic and geopolitical importance of the region has poorly been translated into human, capital, and socio-economic development for the good of the people. The region continues to remain one of the most volatile, unstable, and under-developed in Africa.  The diversity of domestic and international actors has had great complications on the region's peace, security, and development. However, a recent pronouncement by China for a new strategy toward the attainment of security, development, and governance in the region is worth exploring. The proposal includes the appointment of China’s special envoy to the Horn of Africa while advocating that an internal solution is the best option for the crisis in the region. 

Received: 29 December 2023 / Accepted: 25 February 2024 / Published: 6 March 2024