Bosaso and the Gulf of Aden: Changing dynamics of a land-sea network is the second report in a series looking at the relationship between modern-day Puntland, a semi-autonomous region of north-east Somalia, Yemen and the wider Gulf region. It focuses on the port city of Bosaso, which, historically, built its economic fortunes on easy access to the sea lanes of the Gulf of Aden and markets of the Arabian Peninsula. However, the dynamics of this maritime space are not static and have shifted according to the changing security and economic dynamics of a region at the centre of larger geopolitical processes, including the war in Yemen. In amongst these changes, Bosaso’s future now seems less certain.

This report was written by Jatin Dua (University of Michigan) with Abdideeq Warsame (Puntland State University) and Ahmed Shire (Puntland State University). Research was also conducted by Abdirahman Adam Ibrahim (Puntland State University).

This report is a product of the X-Border Local Research Network, a component of DFID’s Cross- Border Conflict—Evidence, Policy and Trends (XCEPT) programme, funded by UKaid from the UK government. The programme carries out research work to better understand the causes and impacts of conflict in border areas and their international dimensions. It supports more effective policymaking and development programming and builds the skills of local partners.