Eritrea, Egypt, and Somalia have strengthened their alliance against Ethiopia during a recent summit in Asmara. The meeting highlighted mutual grievances, particularly regarding territorial disputes and the Nile dam project. Analysts suggest this coalition aims to pressure Ethiopia as tensions rise amidst shifting regional dynamics. This summit underscores the deteriorating relations between these countries post-Ethiopia’s civil war and its aspirations for port access.
Leaders from Eritrea, Egypt, and Somalia convened in Asmara, the capital of Eritrea, marking a significant step in strengthening their alliance against Ethiopia. This summit concluded with a statement emphasizing the respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of regional nations, possibly hinting at Ethiopia’s aspirations for a port access, though Ethiopia was not explicitly named. Recent diplomatic tensions have drawn Somalia closer to Egypt and Eritrea, both of which have long-respected grievances with Ethiopia. Experts, including Hassan Khannenje of the Horn International Institute for Strategic Studies, characterize this alliance as a calculative move against the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa, intensifying regional pressures on the nation. The Eritrean summit showcased a gesture of unity among the three leaders, with a commitment to bolster Somali state institutions for combating internal and external challenges, particularly terrorism. Egypt’s first visit to Asmara follows several engagements by the Somali president this year, solidifying their relationship. Ethiopia has historically supported Somalia’s government against the al-Qaeda-linked group al-Shabab. However, Somalia has expressed displeasure over Ethiopia’s recent deal with Somaliland, a self-declared republic it considers its territory. Additionally, longstanding disputes between Egypt and Ethiopia persist over the unilateral construction of a hydroelectric dam on the Nile, which Egypt perceives as a threat to its water security. Recent arms and military supplies from Egypt to Somalia underscore the growing collaboration among these nations against Ethiopia. This new dynamic unfolds despite past aspirations for peace between Ethiopia and Eritrea following the 2018 peace agreement, which won the Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed a Nobel Peace Prize. However, relations soured again in the aftermath of Ethiopia’s civil war in Tigray, exacerbated by Abiy’s goals for port access on the Red Sea.
The geopolitical landscape of the Horn of Africa has been historically complex, with Ethiopia, Eritrea, and Somalia entangled in a web of diplomatic tensions and alliances. Ethiopia’s aspirations for increased access to maritime trade routes underlie its relationships with its neighbors. In recent years, Ethiopia’s actions, including a controversial deal with Somaliland, have sparked discord with Somalia, leading to Somalia’s strategic pivot towards Egypt and Eritrea. Egypt’s longstanding concerns regarding Ethiopia’s Nile dam project have further intensified these tensions. As these relationships evolve, regional power dynamics are shifting, increasing the potential for conflict.
The summit among Eritrea, Egypt, and Somalia represents a significant development in regional politics, revealing an alliance that seeks to counterbalance Ethiopia’s influence and ambitions. This collaboration, fueled by mutual grievances and strategic considerations, poses potential challenges for peace and stability in the Horn of Africa. As these nations navigate their relationships, the specter of conflict looms over the region, necessitating careful diplomatic engagement to avert escalation.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
