After acquiring the port of Bagamoyo in Tanzania, Saudi Arabia targets the port of Assab in Eritrea.
Sparrowhawk
https://defense-arab.com/vb/threads/203516/
Monday at 20:29
Saudi Arabia is poised for a profound strategic shift in the Horn of Africa region with its planned multi-billion dollar investment in the Eritrean port of Assab. This move not only positions Riyadh as a major player in the region, but also challenges the existing dominance of other global powers such as the United Arab Emirates, Turkey, and China within the vital Red Sea trade corridor.
The investment in Assab would significantly disrupt Ethiopia’s maritime ambitions. Given Ethiopia’s landlocked status, its government, led by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, has long coveted access to the sea, viewing Eritrea’s ports as vital gateways. Confidential reports indicate that Ethiopia may even consider military action to secure this access. However, Saudi Arabia's involvement would deter such ambitions by bolstering Eritrea's defense capabilities and economic stability, making any aggressive move by Ethiopia costly and politically untenable.
For Eritrea, an alliance with Saudi Arabia could serve as a preventative strategy against Ethiopian military ambitions, ensuring that its sovereignty over Assab remains unchallenged. This partnership would not only strengthen Eritrea's position but could also shift regional power dynamics, potentially neutralizing Ethiopia's influence over Red Sea access points.
The potential Saudi investment in Assab port is not simply about economic development; it reflects a strategic realignment in the Horn of Africa's geopolitics.