Navigating Security, Governance, and Strategic Competition in Eastern Africa

Abstract

"Eastern Africa confronts overlapping challenges in border protection, organised crime, strategic rivalry, infrastructure, and regional diplomacy. Strengthening child protection at border posts through cross-border coordination and UNSCR 1612 alignment can improve prevention and accountability. Rising organised crime underscores the need for governance reform, financial transparency, digital regulation, and youth inclusion. Space diplomacy rivalry poses dual use" risks but, with coordinated regional governance, can enhance sovereignty and civilian development. Fast-tracking LAPSSET can integrate marginalised regions and deepen regional interdependence, while Eritrea’s exit from IGAD highlights the urgent need to revitalise inclusive regional diplomacy to safeguard stability.