Switzerland Joins Geopolitical Game In Djibouti

(MENAFN- Swissinfo) The strategic importance of the Gulf of Aden is growing. Switzerland has real interests there, but not much in the way of Political influence. It is trying to gain some by being a good neighbour – such as helping with coral reefs.

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Nowhere in the world are there such beautiful coral reefs as off the coast of Djibouti, a small state on the Horn of Africa, at the southern end of the Red Sea. Here on the Gulf of Tadjoura dark volcanic mountains rise into the air, and only the odd sailboat is to be seen out on the sea. But under water there is a wonderful world to be explored. The coral reefs in shimmering shapes and colours host an amazing wealth of natural life.

Two years ago this submarine world was the object of a scientific expedition in which Switzerland took part. Diving and taking samples of the unique vegetation has kept researchers from several countries busy. The samples are now being studied by the Transnational Red Sea CenterExternal link at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL).

Using DNA analysis, the researchers are seeking to understand the biological process of Djibouti's coral reefs a bit better. They seem to be more resistant to the adverse effects of climate change than reefs in other parts of the world. This autumn, photos from the scientific expedition, which will continue on into 2025, could be seen at an openExternal link -air exhibition in Geneva.

This content was published on Oct 13, 2022 A Swiss-led mission is working to safeguard one of the richest marine ecosystems and is emblematic of Swiss efforts in scientific diplomacy.

For Switzerland, participation in the project is not just a matter of altruism. The Transnational Red Sea Center, which was launched in 2019 and is funded by the Swiss foreign ministry, has a further dimension. It involves a now well-established strategy in Swiss foreign policy: linking science and diplomacy so as to build bridges and make useful contacts in a fragile political environment. Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis explained this strategy in an article for SWI swissinfo published in 2019.

For even apart from the coral reefs, the Red Sea region with its many tensions could have geopolitical strategic importance in the future, according to Ali Miganeh Hadi, a researcher in maritime and geopolitical issues at the University of Djibouti. In autumn he spoke to SWI swissinfo at an international five-star hotel in the capital city of Djibouti from which the tall cranes in the port were visible.

Djibouti, which hosts the largest American military base on the African continent and further bases belonging to China, France, Italy and Japan, has been successful over two decades in positioning itself as a key player in the Red Sea area.“Compared to our neighbours, we are an anchor of stability in the region,” Hadi pointed out.

Only a few miles away, where the Red Sea's waves meet the horizon, is the Bab el-Mandeb Strait – one of the world's busiest sea lanes. Between Djibouti and Eritrea on one side and Yemen on the other, it links the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden. It is one of the most important trade routes between Europe and Asia. Nearly a quarter of the world's shipping traffic – carrying billions of tonnes of goods – passes through this waterway every year.

Since last year there has been an ongoing crisis. The Houthi militia, supported by Iran, controls most of northwest Yemen, and since last November they have been targeting international freighters with their drones and rockets. These attacks are in retaliation for the Gaza war. They are intended to provide support for Palestinian militant group Hamas, regarded as terrorists by the US, the EU and numerous other states. The Houthis have aimed to discourage the Israeli military action in Gaza with their attacks.

This could become a big problem for European states, because the Houthi attacks have provoked an economic crisis. Since the start of the Gaza war in October 2023, hundreds of cargo ships in international waters near Yemen have been hit by rockets, drones and missiles. Sailors have been killed, and many ships have been either hijacked, sunk or damaged.

This also affects Switzerland, which is an important centre for shipping lines. In March a container ship belonging to Mediterranean Shipping Co. (MSC), one of the world's biggest shipping lines with its headquarters in Geneva, was targeted by Houthi forces on its journey from Singapore to Djibouti about 150 kilometres south of the Yemeni city of Aden. According to US military sources, Houthi fighters fired two rockets, one of which hit the vessel. Incidents like this are often hushed up. Shipping lines are worried about their reputation for reliability and about possible increases in their insurance premiums.

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