Egypt, Somalia, and Eritrea have forged a closer alliance in Asmara, targeting Ethiopia amidst escalating regional tensions. Recent diplomatic disputes, particularly over maritime access and territorial claims, have exacerbated hostilities. Leaders from these nations expressed commitments to confront internal and external challenges, heightening worries of future conflicts, especially regarding Ethiopia’s role and ambitions.
The leaders of Egypt, Somalia, and Eritrea convened in the Eritrean capital of Asmara to strengthen ties against Ethiopia, a nation with which they all share strained relations. An Eritrean announcement following the summit highlighted the importance of sovereignty and territorial integrity among regional countries, which could be interpreted as a veiled acknowledgment of Ethiopia’s aspirations for maritime access. The recent diplomatic tensions have propelled Somalia towards closer alliances with Egypt and Eritrea, both of which harbored longstanding hostilities towards Ethiopia. Hassan Khannenje, director of the Horn International Institute for Strategic Studies, articulated that this growing coalition operates as an intentional strategy to exert pressure on Addis Ababa. A photograph shared post-meeting displayed Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki alongside Egyptian President Abdul Fattah al-Sisi and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. The leaders declared their commitment to fortifying Somali state institutions, enabling the Somali National Federal Army to combat terrorism. During this meeting, Sisi made his inaugural visit to Asmara, whereas the Somali president had already visited multiple times within the year. Historically, Ethiopia has been a pivotal supporter of the Somali government against al-Qaeda affiliate al-Shabab; however, tensions arose when Ethiopia signed a preliminary agreement with Somaliland, viewed by Somalia as part of its domain. Additionally, relations have been tense between Cairo and Addis Ababa for over a decade due to the construction of a substantial dam by Ethiopia on the Nile River, which Egypt fears could threaten its water supply. Recent military exchanges between Egypt and Somalia further underscore the growing partnership, including a shipment of military supplies from Egypt. Once, in 2018, it seemed that the fraught relationship between Ethiopia and Eritrea had been mended following a peace agreement that earned Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed a Nobel Peace Prize. However, relations soured again after Ethiopia’s civil conflict in the Tigray region, particularly as Ethiopia expressed intentions to secure access to a port on the Red Sea.
The geopolitical landscape of the Horn of Africa remains complex, with Ethiopia, Eritrea, and Somalia possessing a long history of conflicts and diplomatic tensions. The recent summit among the leaders of Eritrea, Egypt, and Somalia is significant in the context of their collective grievances against Ethiopia, particularly regarding territorial disputes and water resource management. Ethiopia’s tampering with the Nile waters, through dam constructions, has created friction with Egypt, while Somalia’s resentment towards Ethiopia’s engagements with Somaliland intensifies regional rivalries. The peace agreements between Ethiopia and Eritrea previously heralded hope for stability in the region, but subsequent civil unrest and territorial ambitions have rekindled tensions, leading to alliances against Ethiopia.
In summary, the recent summit held in Asmara between Egypt, Eritrea, and Somalia marks a critical alignment against Ethiopia, fueled by historical grievances and contemporary diplomatic conflicts. As these nations strengthen their alliances, concerns regarding potential escalations in tensions rise, reflecting a precarious balance of power in the Horn of Africa. The region’s stability remains uncertain as Ethiopia’s relationships with its neighbors evolve amidst competing territorial claims and resource management disputes.
Original Source: www.bbc.co.uk
