The International Crisis Group posted on 8 December 2025 a 38-minute podcast titled "Global Disorder, Horn of Africa Turmoil. Can Europe Keep Up?" with Alan Boswell and Heiko Nitzschke, Germany's special envoy for the Horn of Africa based in Nairobi.
Maritime security in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden looms large in the policies of Germany and Europe. The Horn of Africa is increasingly being impacted by multilateralism. Europe is only one among many engaged players in the Horn. African countries in the region ultimately will determine the role that Europe plays. Europe's strength is the reliability of its interest and engagement. Its priority for the conflict in Sudan is to achieve a ceasefire and ameliorate the humanitarian crisis.
US foreign aid cuts sent shockwaves through European and Horn of Africa capitals. European countries are trying to fill some of the gaps left by the United States, but they too are turning increasingly to private investment. US policy in the region has also become more unpredictable. A new order is emerging in the Horn, especially with greater involvement of the Gulf States and Türkiye. Finally, Nitzschke expressed concern there is now a serious risk of renewed conflict between Ethiopia and Eritrea.
