Eritrean Minister Accuses UAE of Strategic Port Expansion

In an exclusive interview conducted in Asmara, Eritrea’s Foreign Minister Osman Saleh accused the United Arab Emirates of pursuing what he described as 'port imperialism' across the continent. According to Saleh, the extensive network of port facilities managed by UAE entities raises questions that extend beyond simple commercial interests. He argued that African nations must scrutinize the strategic motivations behind Abu Dhabi’s bid to establish stakes in key coastal locations, suggesting that the expansion is not solely driven by economic factors.

The UAE’s two major port groups, DP World and AD Ports, currently hold interests in or manage operations in several sensitive areas, including Egypt, Tanzania, and regions within Somalia such as Somaliland and Puntland. While some local governments have welcomed these investments for their potential to boost trade infrastructure, the expansion has faced significant pushback elsewhere. Djibouti, for instance, revoked a DP World concession in 2018, and Sudan’s government canceled a multi-billion dollar agreement with AD Ports Group in 2022. These moves reflect a broader wariness among regional actors regarding the strategic implications of foreign control over critical maritime hubs.

Historical Friction in Eritrea

The relationship between Eritrea and the UAE has become increasingly strained in recent years, despite earlier periods of cooperation. In 2016, the UAE established a military base in Eritrea’s southern port of Assab, which was subsequently used in operations against the Houthis in Yemen alongside Saudi Arabia. However, according to senior Eritrean officials, ties soured after Abu Dhabi requested the establishment of a shared military facility on one of the islands in the Dahlak Archipelago. This proposed base was reportedly intended to be shared with Israel, a move that Eritrea rejected, citing a desire to avoid becoming a strategic hub for external powers.

Foreign Minister Saleh emphasized that Eritrea does not wish to see any foreign entity establish a 'hub' within its borders. He noted that while the UAE’s stake in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania, appears primarily commercial, its presence in Berbera, Somaliland, is accompanied by a significant military footprint. This distinction is crucial for Asmara, which views the intersection of commercial and military assets as a direct challenge to its sovereignty and regional influence. The Eritrean leadership, which has maintained close ties with the UAE’s founding generation, finds itself at odds with the current administration under President Mohamed bin Zayed.

Regional Rivalry and Security Concerns

Eritrea and the UAE are now on opposite sides of several ongoing conflicts in the Horn of Africa. The UAE provides support to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Sudan, a paramilitary group accused of committing atrocities, while Eritrea has hosted Sudanese army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan multiple times in recent months. The Sudanese military, which Eritrea supports, also receives backing from Egypt, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia. This divergence highlights the complex web of alliances and rivalries that define the current geopolitical landscape in the region.

Furthermore, Eritrea has expressed concern over the strengthening alignment between Israel and the UAE, particularly regarding their interests in Ethiopia. Saleh questioned the necessity of Israeli military presence in Somaliland, viewing it as part of a broader effort to control the Horn of Africa. Although Eritrea and Ethiopia formed a tactical alliance during the 2020-2022 Tigray war, their relationship has since cooled, leaving Eritrea to navigate a volatile neighborhood where external powers are increasingly seeking to secure strategic footholds. As reported by GN auto geopolitics/africa: Horn of Africa, the situation underscores the high stakes involved in the region’s maritime and terrestrial security dynamics.

Future Diplomatic Trajectories

The accusation of 'port imperialism' marks a significant escalation in rhetoric from Asmara, signaling a shift from quiet diplomatic maneuvering to public confrontation. The next phase of this dispute will likely depend on how the UAE responds to these allegations and whether it seeks to renegotiate its agreements in the region. Observers will watch closely for any new diplomatic initiatives or further cancellations of contracts that could reshape the balance of power in the Red Sea and Indian Ocean littoral states.