The modern states and near-states that make up the region here defined as Northeastern Africa comprize Eritrea, Djibouti, Ethiopia and Somalia. Although, in terms of population, the area is predominantly Muslim, leaving aside numerous small sultanates, either tribal or urban in origin, the major state-forming tradition in the region is Christian. The size and strength of Ethiopia has waxed and waned over the centuries, but its existence has defined much of the experience of Muslims within its bo…