Amid rising tensions in the Horn of Africa, leaders of Egypt, Eritrea, and Somalia convened in Asmara to discuss regional security and cooperation. The meeting addresses the fallout from Ethiopia’s controversial maritime agreement with Somaliland, which has strained relations with Somalia. The leaders emphasize the importance of maintaining national sovereignty and countering threats from militant groups, while fostering alliances to establish stability in the region.
In a significant development amid rising tensions in the Horn of Africa, the leaders of Egypt, Eritrea, and Somalia convened for a tri-nation summit in Asmara. Held on Thursday, this meeting underscores the growing concerns regarding security and stability in a region marked by conflicting interests, particularly following Ethiopia’s controversial maritime agreement with the breakaway Somali region of Somaliland. This pact has aggravated relations with Somalia, prompting Egypt and Somalia to strengthen their ties as a countermeasure against Ethiopia’s actions. Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud engaged in discussions intended to enhance cooperation among their nations and address overarching issues of regional security. President Mohamud’s office shared details of the summit through a post on X, along with images highlighting the gathering of the three leaders. Prior to the summit, President Mohamud had conferred privately with President Afwerki, focusing on issues central to preserving Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity amidst numerous challenges. President Sisi’s first visit to Eritrea was marked by the intent to foster relations while emphasizing collaborative efforts to ensure stability and security in both the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea region. Meanwhile, the memorandum between Ethiopia and Somaliland, which grants Ethiopia access to a coastal naval base, has been met with vehement disapproval from Mogadishu, which maintains that Somaliland’s independence is not recognized internationally. In light of these tensions, Somalia has consolidated its alliance with Egypt, illustrated by a military agreement signed in August and Egypt’s commitment to deploy troops as part of a new African Union mission targeting the Al-Shabaab terrorist group. Deteriorating relationships between Ethiopia and Eritrea also represent a critical aspect of the current geopolitical climate, compounded by recent instability in Ethiopia, particularly in Tigray. Notably, Eritrea had previously supported Ethiopian government efforts against Tigrayan insurgents, yet recent tensions reveal dissatisfaction regarding Ethiopia’s peace deal with the TPLF, which had become Eritrea’s historical adversary. Moreover, a significant operational difficulty led Ethiopian Airlines to suspend flights to Asmara, further illustrating the frosty relations between these neighboring nations. Eritrea, often referred to as the “North Korea of Africa” due to its strict governance under President Isaias since its independence from Ethiopia in 1993, showcases the complexities shaping regional dynamics. Relations between Eritrea and Ethiopia had evolved positively, culminating in a peace accord that awarded Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed the Nobel Peace Prize. However, ongoing tensions suggest that while some progress has been made, several underlying conflicts persist.
The Horn of Africa has seen escalating tensions as regional countries navigate complex relationships influenced by territorial disputes, historical animosities, and geopolitical interests. The recent maritime agreement between Ethiopia and Somaliland, which empowers Somaliland economically by granting it access to the sea, has particularly intensified conflicts, complicating the already fragile relations between Ethiopia and Somalia. Such agreements affect national sovereignty, triggering responses from Somalia and its allies, most notably Egypt. Additionally, the historical context of Eritrea’s ongoing challenges with Ethiopia, combined with current security threats posed by militant groups, emphasizes the urgency of these leaders meeting and discussing regional stability.
In conclusion, the three-way summit between the leaders of Egypt, Eritrea, and Somalia reflects crucial efforts to address mounting regional tensions amid geopolitical complexities in the Horn of Africa. Highlighting security, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, the discussions aim to foster cooperation to combat shared challenges, particularly those originating from Ethiopia’s recent maritime agreements and the influence of militant organizations. Given the historical context and ongoing disputes, the outcomes of these discussions could have far-reaching implications for peace and stability in the region.
Original Source: www.france24.com
