The leaders of Egypt, Eritrea, and Somalia convened a summit to strengthen regional security cooperation amid rising tensions in the Horn of Africa. Excluding Ethiopia, the meeting focused on combating terrorism, upholding national sovereignty, and addressing crises such as the situation in Sudan and maritime threats from Yemen. The summit represents a strategic shift for Somalia as it aligns with Egypt against perceived Ethiopian aggression, particularly regarding Somaliland’s independence claims.
In an unprecedented summit held on Thursday, the leaders of Egypt, Eritrea, and Somalia came together to strengthen their cooperative efforts in addressing regional security challenges within the volatile Horn of Africa. This meeting was convened against a backdrop of escalating tensions influenced by the ongoing war in Sudan, a contentious maritime agreement between Ethiopia and the self-declared independent region of Somaliland, along with escalating maritime incidents involving Yemen’s Houthi rebels in the Red Sea. The summit, hosted in Asmara at the invitation of Eritrea’s President Isaias Afwerki, included Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. A notable exclusion from the summit was Ethiopia, historically a dominant player in the region and currently embroiled in strained relations with Somalia due to the Somaliland deal. This divergence in alliances suggests a significant shift as Somalia aligns itself closer to Egypt, a longtime rival of Addis Ababa. Following their discussions, the leaders released a joint statement via the Eritrean information ministry, committing to enhance their trilateral collaboration aimed at promoting regional stability. They emphasized the necessity for “unequivocal respect for the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of the countries of the region” while omitting any direct references to specific nations of concern. In their dialogue, the leaders highlighted the urgent requirement for cooperation in tackling internal and external threats to Somalia, aiming to empower the Somali National Federal Army to effectively combat terrorism and protect national borders. They added considerable focus on the challenges posed by the situations in Sudan and the Red Sea, agreeing to form a tripartite committee of foreign ministers tasked with fostering strategic cooperation across various sectors. This summit marks President Sisi’s inaugural visit to Asmara, reportedly the first by an Egyptian president since former President Hosni Mubarak’s visit in the 1990s. In contrast, President Mohamud has frequented Eritrea, recognized internationally as one of the most isolated nations. The regional dynamics were further strained following a January memorandum of understanding that allowed Ethiopia to lease a coastal area from Somaliland, prompting Somalia to decry this agreement as a violation of its sovereignty, which subsequently led to a military cooperation agreement with Egypt in August. In addition, Cairo has expressed its commitment to contribute troops to a new African Union initiative targeting the Al-Shabaab terrorist group. Tensions further exacerbate the relationships surrounding the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam project, with Cairo perceiving it as a threat to its critical water supply. Additionally, there have been emerging strains between Ethiopia and Eritrea, despite historical ties during the 2020-2022 Tigrayan War, which had previously seen Eritrean military support for the Ethiopian government.
The Horn of Africa is a region characterized by complex geopolitical dynamics, often susceptible to conflicts stemming from historical rivalries and recent territorial disputes. The relationships among Egypt, Eritrea, and Somalia are influenced by significant factors, such as the ongoing war in Sudan, maritime rights associated with Somaliland, and the strategic importance of the Red Sea. The evolving alliances and shifting power balances are crucial for understanding the stability of the region. The announcement of military and strategic partnerships signals a renewed focus on regional security amid rising external threats, particularly from entities like Al-Shabaab and regional competitors such as Ethiopia, which plays a significant role in the collective security framework of the Horn of Africa.
The recent summit among the leaders of Egypt, Eritrea, and Somalia underscores a decisive pivot toward forming a regional alliance aimed at enhancing security amid escalating tensions in the Horn of Africa. This collaboration reflects Somalia’s strategic alignment with Cairo following contentious dealings with Ethiopia, particularly concerning Somaliland’s maritime aspirations. As these nations work collectively to address shared concerns, including terrorism and territorial integrity, the ongoing complex relationships will significantly influence the stability of the region moving forward.
Original Source: www.modernghana.com
