China in the horn of Africa : Neo-colonialism or strategic manoeuvrers in the era of great power rivalry

Abstract EN

With the end of the unipolar world, China’s rise has seen it challenge Washington’s hegemony in not only Asia-Pacific, but also Latin America and Africa.

Nowhere stronger in Africa is this Great Power Rivalry than in the Horn of Africa.

With energy interests, shipping lanes, business ventures and security concerns, the Horn of Africa has become polarised on the global stage because of China’s economic penetration.

This penetration has called to question whether Beijing is engaged in neocolonialism in the region or making partnerships and strategic manoeuvres to outpace Washington in winning favour with Horn of African states.

It appears that Beijing has outmanoeuvred Washington as states in the Horn of Africa respond to partnership initiatives by China rather than establishing a culture of aid dependency like the US has created.

This model of engaging with developing states has won favour in the Horn of Africa.