The global Somali diaspora numbers two million people that live outside the Somali regions of the Horn of Africa. The strong links that diaspora populations maintain with the Somali regions—engaging multifariously in the spheres of development, politics, and economy—exert a crucial influence on Somali society in the Horn. However, in recent years there have been indications that these practices are changing in new and unpredictable ways. This briefing examines the current trends and suggests three possible future scenarios for diaspora engagement in the Somali regions of the Horn of Africa.

Enhancing the Role of Borderland Communities in Ethiopia’s Foreign Policy
Ethiopia’s borderland communities (BLCs) have historically influenced the country’s relations with its neighbours. These peripheral regions often serve as hubs for cross-border trade, repositories of