Leaders from Egypt, Eritrea, and Somalia met in Asmara to discuss regional tensions exacerbated by Ethiopia’s maritime deal with Somaliland, which Somalia views as a violation of its sovereignty. The summit focused on strengthening cooperation and addressing security challenges, culminating in enhanced military ties between Somalia and Egypt.
On Thursday, leaders from Egypt, Eritrea, and Somalia convened for a three-way summit in Asmara, amidst rising tensions within the Horn of Africa. The meeting follows significant unrest triggered by Ethiopia’s recent maritime agreement with the self-declared republic of Somaliland, granting the region access to the sea, which has sparked outrage in Mogadishu and exacerbated tensions among regional powers. The summit was attended by Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. According to a statement from Mohamud’s office, the discussions were aimed at enhancing bilateral relations and addressing issues regarding security and stability in the region. In a preceding meeting, President Mohamud had held talks with President Isaias to discuss bolstering cooperation aimed at maintaining Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, vital for the country’s development amid persistent challenges. Ethiopia’s agreement with Somaliland, which involves leasing a coastline for a naval base and port, has been termed a breach of Somalia’s sovereignty, igniting concerns within Mogadishu. Consequently, Somalia has strengthened its ties with Egypt, entering into a military agreement to combat the Al-Shabaab militant group, further isolating Ethiopia. Additionally, Egypt’s involvement in the matter relates to its long-standing conflict with Ethiopia over the contentious Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam. As relations between Ethiopia and Eritrea sour, particularly in light of the peace deal between Ethiopia and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front, the call for enhanced cooperation among Egypt, Eritrea, and Somalia reflects a broader strategy to address security issues and foster regional stability. President Sisi’s visit marked a crucial step in this direction, focusing specifically on collaborative efforts to promote development and safeguard the interests of the nations involved.
The Horn of Africa has been a region fraught with political and territorial disputes, particularly involving Ethiopia, Somalia, and Eritrea. The recent maritime agreement between Ethiopia and Somaliland has escalated tensions, as Somalia vehemently rejects Somaliland’s claim to independence and views the deal as a direct infringement on its sovereignty. This summit signifies an attempt by the leaders of Egypt, Eritrea, and Somalia to reinforce their alliances amid the geopolitical complexities of the region, stemming from historical conflicts and the ongoing threat posed by militant groups. The backdrop of the summit is further complicated by Ethiopia’s internal conflicts and its relations with Eritrea, historically marked by violence and territorial disputes. The meeting is also part of Egypt’s strategy to counterbalance Ethiopia’s rise and assert influence in the region.
The summit in Asmara illustrates the complex dynamics of the Horn of Africa, characterized by shifting alliances and ongoing security concerns. With Somalia’s increasing alignment with Egypt in the face of tensions with Ethiopia and the controversial maritime agreement with Somaliland, the meeting represents both a strategic collaboration aimed at stabilizing the region and an assertion of sovereignty by the involved nations. This development highlights the need for continuous dialogue and cooperation to address the multifaceted challenges facing these countries and the broader region.
Original Source: www.france24.com
