Owusu on Africa: Why the ‘most’ potent African Navy is not hitting the Houthi. Egypt is playing the long game

By Fidel Amakye Owusu

When my classmates and I were taught about the “coming of the Europeans” in basic school, one of the reasons dominated: to find a new route to India.

Before the Europeans learned of the way around Africa to India or the Far East, the journey had been overland through Asia Minor. For about four centuries the “New Route” became an important international trade artery.

In the mid-19th century, an artificial alternative was created: a canal was dug to link the Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea. This was a game changer as the traveling distance between Europe and Asia was drastally reduced.

In the 1950s British and French efforts to take control of the important facility by force were thwarted by the US which saw the move as needless. The canal became a national asset to Egypt.

Since the Houthi attacks on ships using the Red Sea began, I have been asked about the “seemingly” inaction of the Egyptian military – Africa’s most formidable. Some have even asked if Egypt endorses the Houthi movement‘s actions. While I cannot provide perfect answers to the questions, several issues are worth noting.

Firstly, Egypt is not nonchalant in the situation. No African state has higher stakes in the current state of affairs. The canal gives it important revenue and makes it geopolitically significant. That notwithstanding, Cairo wants to be as meticulous as possible and likely considering the long-term ramifications of any reactions.

Moreover, Egypt knows that despite its interest, the Red Sea is international waters and therefore requires shared responsibility to enforce order. Cairo does not want to take the lead and find itself as the long-term “policeman” of the Sea. That will be expensive.

Also, Cairo knows that despite the importance of the Suez Canal-Red Sea route, it is not entirely indispensable. To President el-Sisi, the longer the confrontation in the corridor, the more ships could get accustomed to the other route around Africa regardless of the higher cost.

Consequently, Cairo has resorted to using rapprochement to de-escalate the situation. In recent weeks it has sought constructive engagement with Tehran. It appreciates the important role of Iran in this situation.

Furthermore, if Egypt has anything to learn about the resilience of the Houthi movement, it has enough its experience with the Saudi-led coalition that was determined to defeat the group years back. The unsuccessful move by a conventionally stronger side could influence how Cairo handles the Houthi.

Also, the “reason” the Houthis give for their attack suggests that any force retaliating is on the side of Israel. This, while sounding light, could mean a lot in Cairo concerning Egyptian domestic politics.

Way forward?

The attacks on ships need to be stopped.

Fidel Amakye Owusu is an International Relations and Security Analyst. He is an Associate at the Conflict Research Consortium for Africa and has previously hosted an International Affairs program with the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC). He is passionate about Diplomacy and realizing Africa’s global potential and how the continent should be viewed as part of the global collective.