The Council of Arab and African States Bordering the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden:
Foundation, Aspirations, and Challenges
Introduction
The Red Sea is one of the world’s most strategic waterways, connecting the Mediterranean Sea to the Indian Ocean through the Suez Canal and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. A significant portion of global trade and oil shipments pass through it, making it a focal point for international and regional competition. Recognizing this strategic importance, on January 6, 2020, the Council of Arab and African States Bordering the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden
Member States
The Council consists of eight founding members:
- Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
- Arab Republic of Egypt
- Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan
- Republic of Sudan
5. Republic of Yemen
6. Republic of Djibouti
7. State of Eritrea
8. Federal Republic of Somalia
Historical Background and Previous Attempts
The official charter was signed on January 6, 2020, in Riyadh by the foreign ministers of the eight member states. This foundation came after decades of earlier attempts since the 1970s to create a regional cooperation framework around the Red Sea. In the 1980s and 1990s, Egypt and Saudi Arabia put forward multiple initiatives for maritime and security cooperation, but regional instability prevented their realization.
The revival of the idea in the early 21st century was linked to the rise of security threats such as piracy in the Gulf of Aden and growing international military presence, which underlined the urgent need for a regional framework.
Institutional Structure
The Council’s charter stipulates the establishment of a General Secretariat headquartered in Riyadh, and regular meetings of leaders and foreign ministers to discuss maritime security and economic development. It also provides for specialized committees focusing on economy, security, environment, and culture.
Objectives and Aspirations
- Strengthening maritime security and safeguarding international navigation.
- Supporting the free flow of global trade through the Red Sea.
- Coordinating economic and developmental efforts among member states.
- Combating non-traditional threats such as terrorism and piracy.
- Promoting joint investments and maritime infrastructure development.
Current Challenges
Despite its establishment, the Council faces multiple challenges:
- The Yemen conflict and its direct implications for Bab el-Mandeb security.
- Great power competition (United States, China, Russia) seeking to consolidate influence in the Red Sea.
- Piracy and non-traditional maritime threats in the Gulf of Aden and Bab el-Mandeb.
- Diverging national priorities among member states, which hinder full coordination.
Recent Developments
- In 2021, the Council held multiple ministerial meetings to strengthen security and economic coordination.
- The Council engaged in consultations with international organizations regarding Red Sea security.
- Recent developments in 2023–2024, including maritime security incidents in the Red Sea, reaffirmed the Council’s importance as a regional mechanism.
Conclusion
The establishment of the Council of Arab and African States Bordering the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden marks a strategic step toward creating a regional framework capable of addressing shared challenges and ensuring the stability of this vital waterway. Its success, however, depends on sustained political will, effective coordination among members, and balanced engagement with international actors.
References (Official Sources)
- Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Statement on the establishment of the Council (January 6, 2020).
- Saudi Press Agency (SPA) – Coverage of the charter signing ceremony in Riyadh (2020).
- Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Statement on Egypt’s participation (2020).
- Presidential Decree of Egypt approving the Council’s charter (Official Gazette – November 2020).
- United Nations Security Council reports on Red Sea and Gulf of Aden security (2021–2023).
- Ministerial meeting communiqués of the Council (2021–2023).