The leaders of Egypt, Eritrea, and Somalia convened a summit in Asmara, addressing rising tensions in the Horn of Africa resulting from a maritime agreement between Ethiopia and Somaliland. They discussed enhancing cooperation and regional security, reflecting the evolving diplomatic landscape as Egypt and Somalia strengthen ties against Ethiopia’s influence.
In Asmara, Eritrea, a significant trilateral summit convened on Thursday, attended by the leaders of Egypt, Eritrea, and Somalia, namely President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, President Isaias Afwerki, and President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, respectively. This meeting occurred amidst escalating tensions in the Horn of Africa, primarily stemming from a contentious maritime agreement between Ethiopia and the breakaway region of Somaliland, which had granted the latter access to the sea, to the dismay of the Somali government. The stated objectives of the summit included strengthening diplomatic relations among the three nations and addressing pressing regional security and stability issues. A preliminary meeting took place between President Mohamud and President Afwerki, wherein they delved into enhancing cooperation to uphold Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity amidst significant historical challenges. Amidst these discussions was the critical backdrop of the memorandum of understanding between Ethiopia and Somaliland, which would allow Ethiopia, a landlocked nation, to operate a naval base and port along the Somaliland coast. This agreement has been met with strong resistance from Somalia, which condemns it as a violation of its territorial rights. Consequently, Somalia has cultivated closer ties with Egypt, resulting in a military accord aimed at countering the Al-Shabaab insurgency, and Cairo has demonstrated support for Mogadishu in its disputes with Addis Ababa, particularly concerning the contentious Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam project that threatens Egypt’s water supply. Additionally, President Sisi’s visit is believed to prioritize bolstering relations with Eritrea and addressing matters of stability and security within the region. Notably, diplomatic relations between Ethiopia and Eritrea have grown increasingly fraught, despite Eritrean military support in the conflict against Tigrayan rebels. Analysts postulate that Eritrea’s dissatisfaction stems from Ethiopia’s peace agreement with the TPLF. Interestingly, Ethiopian Airlines recently announced the suspension of flights to Asmara due to challenging operational conditions.
The Horn of Africa has been a region marked by intricate geopolitical dynamics and inter-state rivalries, particularly between Ethiopia, Somalia, and Eritrea. Ethiopia’s 2023 agreement with Somaliland to enhance maritime access for the latter has exacerbated tensions, as the Somali government, which does not recognize Somaliland’s independence, perceives this move as a direct affront to its sovereignty. This development has catalyzed a realignment of relations, notably strengthening ties between Egypt and Somalia against a backdrop of mutual concerns regarding Ethiopia’s burgeoning influence and intentions in the region. Furthermore, Egypt’s long-standing reservations concerning Ethiopia’s management of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam and its potential impact on Egyptian water security has fostered closer military and diplomatic cooperation between Egypt and Somalia, particularly in tackling extremist threats. The backdrop of Eritrea’s historical role in the region and its strained relations with both Ethiopia and Somalia complicates the security scenario further, as the country seeks to safeguard its sovereignty and regional interests amid ongoing instability.
The trilateral summit held in Asmara among the leaders of Egypt, Eritrea, and Somalia underscores the escalating tensions in the Horn of Africa primarily driven by territorial disputes and security challenges stemming from Ethiopia’s maritime accord with Somaliland. This gathering is indicative of a strategic shift, as Egypt and Somalia forge closer ties to counterbalance Ethiopia’s influence. The leaders’ discussions not only focused on enhancing bilateral relations but also emphasized a collaborative effort towards maintaining regional stability amid the complexities of historical animosities and contemporary geopolitical realities.
Original Source: www.france24.com
