In a strategic move against Ethiopia, leaders from Eritrea, Egypt, and Somalia convened in Asmara, reaffirming their alliance amid rising tensions. An official statement highlighted the importance of national sovereignty, likely targeting Ethiopia’s ambitions for coastal access. The summit featured military cooperation discussions, with fears of escalating conflict due to Ethiopia’s diplomatic missteps and past grievances.
In Asmara, the capital of Eritrea, leaders of Egypt, Somalia, and Eritrea convened to solidify their alliance against Ethiopia, heightened by recent diplomatic tensions. An official statement from Eritrea underscored the need for respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity of regional nations, a potentially veiled reference to Ethiopia’s pursuit of port access despite the nation not being explicitly named. Somalia’s shifting allegiances towards Egypt and Eritrea stem from longstanding disputes with Ethiopia, prompting concerns of escalating conflict. Hassan Khannenje from the Horn International Institute for Strategic Studies stated, “This is an axis against [Ethiopian capital] Addis Ababa. I think it’s an attempt to bring the hate together in trying to increase pressure against Addis Ababa.” A significant image captured during this summit shows Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki heralding solidarity with Egyptian President Abdul Fattah al-Sisi and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. The joint communiqué emphasized strengthening Somali institutions to effectively address various challenges and to empower the Somali National Federal Army against terrorism. Notably, this meeting marked President Sisi’s inaugural visit to Asmara, whereas President Mohamud has visited three times this year. Ethiopia has traditionally supported Somalia against the al-Qaeda affiliated group, al-Shabab, yet ties have soured following Ethiopia’s lease of Somaliland’s coastline, a region Somalia claims. Furthermore, Ethiopia and Egypt have been strained over the construction of a hydroelectric dam on the Nile, with Egypt perceiving it as a potential threat to its water supply. Recent military collaborations have underscored this growing rift, including the delivery of arms from Egypt to Somalia. Relations between Ethiopia and Eritrea had notably thawed following a peace declaration in 2018, resulting in Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed being awarded the Nobel Peace Prize; however, tensions resurfaced post-civil war in Tigray, compounded by Abiy’s pursuit of Red Sea port access.
The summit among leaders from Egypt, Somalia, and Eritrea is underscored by their common animosities towards Ethiopia, particularly concerning territorial disputes and water resource management. The historical relationship between these nations is characterized by fluctuating alliances and rivalries, often influenced by Ethiopia’s regional ambitions and the implications of its military agreements. The recent developments, such as Somalia’s displeasure over Ethiopia’s actions in Somaliland and the gradual militarization of relationships between Egypt and Somalia, signal a potential shift in the power dynamics in the Horn of Africa. The political landscape has been shaped by Ethiopia’s internal conflicts, particularly the civil war in Tigray, which strained its relationships with neighboring countries, reversing the progress made towards peace and cooperation established a few years prior.
In summary, the convergence of Egypt, Somalia, and Eritrea marks a significant political realignment in the Horn of Africa, directed against Ethiopia. With tensions rooted in territorial disputes, resource management, and military collaboration, there are pressing concerns regarding the potential for escalating conflicts. Diplomacy will be crucial as these nations navigate their relationships amidst complex regional dynamics. The once-promising peace between Ethiopia and Eritrea appears increasingly tenuous as external and internal challenges continue to shape the geopolitical landscape.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
