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Livestock trade across the Horn of Africa is facing renewed pressure as geopolitical tensions in the Middle East disrupt exports to key Gulf markets. The sector, which is a major economic pillar for countries in the region, is now experiencing delays and uncertainty, with thousands of animals stranded at ports such as Berbera. The impact extends far beyond exporters. Livestock trade supports a wide network of herders, traders, transporters, and rural households who rely on the movement of animals for income. In a region already vulnerable to climate shocks and instability, the disruption is adding further strain to fragile local economies. For years, countries in the Horn of Africa have relied heavily on the Arabian Peninsula as their primary export destination for livestock. The trade involves millions of animals annually and plays a critical role in generating foreign exchange and sustaining pastoral livelihoods. However, this dependence has also exposed the sector to external ...