Threatened by Iran-backed Houthis, Afar tribe in East Africa looks to Israel for help

The Sunni Muslim Afar tribe, which resides across the Horn of Africa region, currently faces domestic oppression in countries such as Eritrea, as well as threats from the Iranian-backed, Yemen-based Houthi terrorist militia, which seeks to expand into East Africa. Some members of the Afar tribe believe that Israel could potentially provide assistance amid these multiple threats.

In February 2024, Ali Ahmed Yaidi, an Eritrean citizen and Afar tribe member, gave testimony that was released by the internationally recognized Yemeni government, which opposes the Houthis. In his testimony, Yaidi said the Houthis have established terrorist cells in the region and described dubious promises by the Iranian regime to “support the tribe.” He also raised the possibility of seeking help from Israel.

Last month, the Afar tribe held a conference in Ethiopia, which attracted tribe members from neighboring Eritrea with the goal to “unite the struggle against the ruling regime,” which oppresses the tribe. The conference also attracted tribe members, human rights activists and journalists from Eritrea and Djibouti who also wanted to raise awareness of the tribe’s struggles. 

The situation is particularly serious in Eritrea, where Afar members have accused the regime of arbitrary arrests, forced displacement, killings, and looting of natural habitat. 

Speaking to the Israeli news outlet Ynet News on condition of anonymity, an Afar tribal source explained why the tribe is considering asking Israel for help. 

“Iran is a shared enemy, and the geographic area of Dankalia – where the Afar live in Eritrea – along with its instability and repression, are directly linked to regional and international security concerns,” the Afar source stated. 

“In this context, Israel stands out as a country that can play a constructive role. As a democratic state with extensive experience in Red Sea security and a deep understanding of Middle Eastern and Horn of Africa geopolitics, Israel has both a strategic interest and the institutional capacity to get involved. Red Sea security is already recognized as a core Israeli concern. The instability here, especially with the growing involvement of Iranian-linked actors, makes the region increasingly relevant to Israel’s national security calculations,” he explained.

The Houthis, who openly call for Israel’s destruction, have fired hundreds of missiles and drones against Israel since the Hamas Oct. 7, 2023, attack. While Israel’s aerial defense systems successfully intercepted the large majority of the projectiles, the Houthis and their Iranian patron continue to threaten the Jewish state’s national security. 

The Afar tribe source concluded by stressing that Israel has the motivation and capabilities to improve the reality on the ground in the Red Sea region. 

"Israel also possesses the political, security and international influence necessary to help shape new realities on the ground. Israel has the capability, if it chooses, to contribute to the emergence of a de facto protected political entity in Dankalia – one that could restrict the Eritrean regime’s control, limit infiltration by external operatives and provide a framework of security and governance for the Afar population, even without formal state recognition. Israel can connect the protection of the Afar in Eritrea with Red Sea security.”

It was reported last April that the Houthis are actively seeking to expand their terror influence into Africa. 

Danny Citrinowicz, a fellow at the INSS Iran Program in Tel Aviv and former head of the Iran desk in Israel’s military intelligence research division, said the Houthis are particularly focused on the Horn of Africa region, including Eritrea.

“The strategic focus is the Horn of Africa,” Citrinowicz stated, adding, “but the Houthis have also threatened Israel from the Cape of Good Hope (southern Africa) and shown interest in North Africa. Their connection to Africa is far more organic than Iran’s, so they’re the tip of the spear.” He was likely referring to the geographic proximity of Yemen to East Africa.