China, Ethiopia, and Djibouti : A Triumvirate for the Horn of Africa ?
Located on one of the most heavily trafficked sea routes in the world, the Horn of Africa is central to the Belt and Road Initiative (bri) in Africa, as evidenced by the flood of construction contracts for port and rail infrastructure in the region. In this article, we reverse the perspective and analyze the strategy of local actors using the concept of extraversion. The countries in the region do not see themselves as being subjected to an asymmetrical relationship with China. On the contrary, the asymmetry is accepted, and even serves as a mode of action for local governments. We focus especially on the relations between China, Ethiopia, and Djibouti, which are based on an economic and political partnership. The bri reinforces a regional order centred around Ethiopian regional power.