Leaders from Egypt, Somalia, and Eritrea met in Asmara amidst heightened tensions in the Horn of Africa following Ethiopia’s agreement with Somaliland. The summit aimed to bolster cooperation and enhance regional security, addressing Somalia’s sovereignty concerns. Egypt’s alliance with Somalia contrasts with its longstanding tensions with Ethiopia over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, while relations between Ethiopia and Eritrea remain strained following recent developments in the region.
On Thursday, leaders from Egypt, Somalia, and Eritrea convened in Asmara for a significant summit aimed at addressing the escalating tensions in the Horn of Africa. The meeting follows a controversial agreement signed in January between Ethiopia and the separatist region of Somaliland, which grants Somaliland access to the sea. This deal has sparked grave concerns regarding security and sovereignty, particularly for Somalia, which views the agreement as a direct challenge to its territorial integrity. Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud gathered to discuss enhancing cooperation between their nations and tackling regional stability challenges. The Eritrean information ministry emphasized the importance of this meeting, highlighting the need for collaboration in maintaining Somalia’s sovereignty and unity amidst ongoing difficulties in the past two decades. President Mohamud has previously visited Eritrea multiple times, demonstrating his commitment to fostering bilateral ties. His discussions with President Isaias shortly after his arrival focused on strengthening cooperation for Somalia’s development, which faces enormous challenges. President Sisi, who arrived on Thursday, expressed the need to enhance relations with Eritrea and further stabilize the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea. As Egypt aligns itself closer to Somalia—evidenced by their military agreement signed in August—the country has also shown its resolve against Ethiopia regarding the contentious Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, which Cairo argues jeopardizes its water supply. Furthermore, relations between Ethiopia and Eritrea appear increasingly strained, particularly in light of Ethiopia’s maritime ambitions in Somaliland, a situation that has seen Ethiopian Airlines suspend flights to Asmara due to adverse operational conditions. Since gaining independence in 1993, Eritrea, often referred to as the “North Korea of Africa,” has faced significant internal issues under President Isaias’s authoritarian rule.
The dynamics in the Horn of Africa are complex, marked by historical tensions and recent developments that heighten regional rivalries. The signing of an agreement between Ethiopia and Somaliland introduced a new layer of complexity, further complicating Somalia’s fragile security environment. The context for this summit is shaped by Somalia’s opposition to the international recognition of Somaliland’s independence and Ethiopia’s military intentions in the region. Egypt’s involvement aligns with its broader strategy to counter Ethiopian influence, especially concerning the contentious Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, which poses a significant concern for Egypt’s water security.
The trilateral summit held in Eritrea is emblematic of the shifting alliances and ongoing tensions in the Horn of Africa. With leaders focusing on security and cooperation amidst rising regional strife, the meeting underscores the importance of diplomatic engagement in addressing longstanding disputes. As Somalia and Egypt seek to counter Ethiopian advancements in Somaliland, the implications of these recent developments could shape the geopolitical landscape of the region significantly.
Original Source: english.alarabiya.net
