Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah El Sisi visited Eritrea for talks with Isaias Afwerki, discussing bilateral relations and regional stability amidst rising tensions with Ethiopia. Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud also attended, as relations deteriorate over Ethiopia’s actions. These meetings signify Egypt’s strategic maneuvering to enhance its influence and partnerships within the Horn of Africa.
On Thursday, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El Sisi arrived in Asmara, Eritrea, at the invitation of President Isaias Afwerki for discussions focused on strengthening bilateral relations and addressing the current situation in the Horn of Africa. This visit comes on the heels of a significant increase in regional tensions, particularly involving Egypt and Ethiopia, stemming from Ethiopia’s construction of a megadam on the Blue Nile and a recent defense agreement between Egypt and Somalia, which included military support for Mogadishu. Meanwhile, Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud met with Eritrean officials to discuss mutual interests amid the ongoing strife exacerbated by Ethiopia’s alliances, particularly with Somaliland, a separatist region of Somalia. The backdrop of these talks is further complicated by historical tensions between Ethiopia and Eritrea following the 2018 peace agreement that has since faltered. Given Eritrea’s dissatisfaction with Ethiopia’s current engagements, as well as Somalia’s deteriorating ties with Ethiopia, these discussions among Egypt, Somalia, and Eritrea emphasize a strategic realignment in the region, underscoring Egypt’s intent to bolster its influence as it counters Ethiopian dominance, particularly in light of peacekeeping missions led by the African Union and Egypt’s growing involvement in such initiatives.
The Horn of Africa is currently engulfed in turmoil characterized by conflicts and shifting alliances. The relations between Egypt and Ethiopia have notably soured due to Ethiopia’s development of a major dam on the Blue Nile, which Egypt perceives as a direct threat to its water security. Concurrently, Egypt has sought to forge closer ties with Somalia and Eritrea to counterbalance Ethiopian influence in the region. The historical rivalry between Eritrea and Ethiopia is relevant here, particularly following a fragile peace agreement in 2018 that has since created new tensions, especially concerning Eritrea’s previous objectives regarding the Tigray conflict. The geopolitical landscape is further complicated by Somalia’s strained relations with Ethiopia, a situation aggravated by Ethiopia’s recent recognition of Somaliland, prompting Somalia to align more closely with Egypt.
The meetings between Egyptian and Eritrean leaders, along with Somalia’s involvement, highlight a strategic pivot in the Horn of Africa amid escalating tensions with Ethiopia. Egypt’s initiatives, including military commitments and defense pacts with Somalia, reflect a broader strategy to reinforce its position in the region while addressing overlapping concerns about security and regional dynamics. These developments underscore the increasing complexity of alliances and the critical role of diplomatic engagements in seeking stability and cooperation in the Horn of Africa.
Original Source: www.thenationalnews.com
