A man holds the flags of Eritrea, left, and Ethiopia as he waits for the arrival of Eritrea's president at an airport in Gondar, northern Ethiopia, on Nov. 9. Profound changes are afoot in the Horn of Africa -- something that won't escape the attentions of great powers like the United States.
Editor's Note : This assessment is part of a series of analyses supporting Stratfor's upcoming 2019 Annual Forecast. These assessments are designed to provide more context and in-depth analysis on key developments in the coming year . The Horn of Africa is in the midst of profound change. From a summer peace deal between longtime enemies Ethiopia and Eritrea to multibillion-dollar infrastructure projects, the region is transforming, providing opportunities for outside powers to enhance their economic influence. In recent months, Russia and China's interest in sub-Saharan Africa has forced the United States to sit up and take notice — particularly with regard to activity in the Horn of Africa. All of it begs the question: How will Washington move forward in the evolving region?
