The leaders of Egypt, Eritrea, and Somalia held a crucial summit in Asmara amid rising tensions in the Horn of Africa, primarily due to Ethiopia’s recent maritime agreement with Somaliland that angered Mogadishu. The discussions focused on strengthening regional ties and addressing security issues, emphasizing Somalia’s sovereignty. Egypt’s support has been underscored by a military cooperation pact with Somalia, highlighting the evolving alliances within the region against the backdrop of enduring rivalries and security concerns.
On Thursday, the leaders of Egypt, Eritrea, and Somalia convened for a pivotal three-way summit in Asmara, taking place amid escalating tensions in the Horn of Africa. The recent signing of a maritime agreement between Ethiopia and the breakaway region of Somaliland in January has raised alarms regarding security and stability in this volatile region. This agreement granted Somaliland access to the sea, inciting fury in Mogadishu and exacerbating existing rivalries between Ethiopia and Somalia. Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud each engaged in discussions aimed at strengthening ties and addressing regional security concerns. Following his arrival, President Mohamud met separately with President Isaias to emphasize the importance of cooperation in safeguarding Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, which has been severely challenged over the past two decades. President Sisi, whose administration is aligning with Somalia amid escalations with Ethiopia, is also set to discuss security measures and bolster relations with Eritrea. The maritime agreement has prompted Somalia to forge closer ties with Egypt, culminating in a significant military cooperation deal signed in August, along with Cairo’s commitment to support an African Union mission against the militant group al-Shabab. Blessed with a historic adversarial relationship, Egypt and Ethiopia’s tensions further complicate the regional dynamics, particularly regarding the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, which Egypt claims poses a threat to its vital water supply. The deteriorating ties between Eritrea and Ethiopia serve as another layer of complexity in this multifaceted geopolitical landscape, as evidenced by Ethiopian Airlines’ recent suspension of flights to Asmara due to operational difficulties,” the Eritrean Ministry stated, underscoring the ongoing strains between these nations.
The geopolitical landscape of the Horn of Africa is historically fraught with conflict and competition, stemming from territorial disputes and colonial legacies. Recent developments, including Ethiopia’s controversial agreement with Somaliland to access the sea, have intensified existing rivalries, particularly between Somalia and Ethiopia. Somalia’s refusal to recognize Somaliland’s declaration of independence has led to heightened tensions regarding national sovereignty. Concurrently, the relationships between Egypt, Eritrea, and Somalia are punctuated by mutual security concerns, particularly involving the al-Shabab militant group and Ethiopia’s ongoing conflicts, notably with the Tigrayan forces. This summit seeks to address these challenges through collaboration and enhanced diplomatic efforts, underscoring the interconnected nature of regional stability.
The summit between the leaders of Egypt, Eritrea, and Somalia signifies a critical effort to navigate and mitigate the rising tensions in the Horn of Africa. With Somalia enhancing its military ties with Egypt in response to Ethiopia’s maneuvers, the geopolitical dynamics continue to shift, reflecting the complex interplay of regional security interests and sovereignty disputes. As these nations continue to address their collective challenges, the outcomes of their discussions may prove pivotal for fostering stability and cooperation in a historically volatile region.
Original Source: english.alarabiya.net
