Musau Susan2025-06-162025-06-162023-08Musau, S. (2023). Scramble of the 21st Century Horn: The Spillover Effect of Unstable Horn of Africa. HORN International Institute for Strategic Studies, pages 32-38 https://horninstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/HORN-Bulletin-Vol-VI-%E2%80%A2-Iss-IV-%E2%80%A2-July-August-2023.pdf.https://repository.ru.ac.ke/handle/123456789/1490The Horn of Africa is a multifaceted sub-region of Africa, characterized by external and internal rivalries, drought, territorial conflicts, and diverse civilizations. It serves as a trading hub and hosts peacekeeping missions and intergovernmental organizations such as the African Union and Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD). The region attracts foreign powers, leading to persistent security dilemmas. Domination by individual states affects civilians, resulting in recurring interstate and intrastate conflicts. This article discusses the source of conflicts in the region, including the Nile River conflict, where colonialism and control over the Nile have been factors. The author explores conflict dynamics in Ethiopia, a country never colonized, faced conflicts with Eritrea and Somalia, including the fight against Al-Shabaab and Djibouti, a key ally of Ethiopia, which experienced conflicts with Eritrea over border disputes, impacted by sanctions and historical injustices. The author argues that in order to stabilize the Horn of Africa region, the countries should unite under regional organizations, foster trust through compromise and acceptance of history, and prioritize people-led democracy. In addition, the author notes that supporting IGAD in addressing drought and famine is crucial, and a historical perspective in conflict resolution can address underlying colonialism-related issues.en