Leaders from Egypt, Eritrea, and Somalia convened for a Tripartite Summit in Asmara, focusing on strengthening relations and addressing regional security concerns, particularly amid rising tensions between Somalia and Ethiopia over a controversial maritime agreement with Somaliland. The summit underscores the support of Egypt and Eritrea for Somalia’s sovereignty, coinciding with significant military aid from Egypt, aimed at enhancing Somalia’s defense capabilities and regional stability.
On Thursday, Presidents Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi of Egypt, Isaias Afwerki of Eritrea, and Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of Somalia convened in Asmara for a Tripartite Summit aimed at bolstering ties among the three nations and tackling prevalent regional security issues. This summit, organized by Eritrean President Afwerki, is indicative of a new coalition among these countries. The Egyptian delegation was led by Abbas Kamel, Chief of Egypt’s General Intelligence Service, accompanied by Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty. The gathering occurs in the context of escalating tensions between Somalia and Ethiopia, primarily due to Ethiopia’s controversial maritime agreement with Somaliland, an autonomous region that Somalia claims. This agreement has raised alarms among international observers, notably the African Union (AU), which maintains a mission in Somalia (AUSSOM). In light of the conclusion of the current mission, Somalia is strategizing on the formation of its new AU Support and Stabilization Mission. Hussein Moalim, Somalia’s National Security Advisor, underscored that Somali leaders would reject the inclusion of Ethiopian troops in the new mission unless Ethiopia rescinds its agreement with Somaliland, which Somalia perceives as a breach of its sovereignty and territorial integrity. “Somalia would not consider Ethiopian troops to be part of the new mission unless it withdraws from the illegal memorandum of understanding signed with [Somalia’s breakaway region of] Somaliland earlier this year,” he stated in a recent interview with VOA Somali. The memorandum, ratified in January, permits Ethiopia access to a critical 20-kilometer coastline on the Red Sea, raising fears that this could lead to the recognition of Somaliland’s independence. This development has resulted in a diplomatic fallout between Somalia and Ethiopia, prompting the expulsion of the Ethiopian ambassador from Mogadishu and the threat to remove thousands of Ethiopian troops deployed in various regions of Somalia. Both Egypt and Eritrea have expressed solidarity with Somalia’s stance on sovereignty and have opposed the agreement with Somaliland. President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi reaffirmed Egypt’s commitment to Somali unity and stability, remarking, “We do not support Somalia because of Ethiopia. We support them because they have been in a state of instability for 30 years,” during a discussion with dignitaries following a graduation ceremony for police academy cadets on Sunday. These comments follow recent developments, including the arrival of a cargo ship laden with military aid from Egypt to Somalia, a significant gesture illustrating Egypt’s growing role in supporting Somalia amidst regional tensions. “We know our interests and we will choose between our allies and our enemies. Thank you, Egypt,” expressed Somalia’s Defense Minister Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur, highlighting the strengthening defence relations between the two countries. This military support represents one of the largest arms shipments Somalia has garnered from its international allies and serves to amplify Somalia’s influence on the global stage. The recent aid delivery marked the second military assistance package from Egypt; this followed a defense agreement and cooperation protocol signed during President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s visit to Cairo in August, which further cements the commitment of both nations to enhance bilateral relations and regional security.
The article discusses a recent diplomatic summit among leaders from Egypt, Eritrea, and Somalia, centered around enhancing mutual relations and addressing security issues in the region. The gathering takes place against the backdrop of heightened tensions between Somalia and Ethiopia, particularly revolving around an illegal maritime agreement between Ethiopia and Somaliland. This agreement has drawn the ire of Somalia and has implications for broader regional stability.
The Tripartite Summit signifies a pivotal moment in the collaboration among Egypt, Eritrea, and Somalia, particularly as tensions with Ethiopia escalate over the controversial agreement with Somaliland. The steadfast stance of Somalia in seeking to safeguard its sovereignty, paired with the emerging military cooperation with Egypt, symbolizes a considerable development in the geopolitical landscape of the Horn of Africa. The ongoing support for Somalia’s stabilization efforts is essential in confronting the challenges posed by this regional discord.
Original Source: www.dailynewsegypt.com
