The leaders of Egypt, Eritrea, and Somalia convened in Asmara amidst heightened tensions in the Horn of Africa. The meeting focused on security concerns exacerbated by Ethiopia’s maritime agreement with Somaliland, which Somalia views as infringing on its sovereignty. The summit aimed to bolster relations and regional cooperation against the backdrop of military and political rivalries, especially regarding the threat posed by extremist groups.
In Asmara, the capitals of Eritrea, the leaders of Egypt, Eritrea, and Somalia convened for a trilateral summit addressing escalating regional tensions on Thursday. This meeting was prompted by growing concerns regarding security and stability in the Horn of Africa, which have surged since Ethiopia formalized a contentious maritime agreement with Somaliland in January, enabling the latter to achieve long-desired access to the sea. Reports emerging from Mogadishu highlighted the discontent with this agreement, which has further strained relationships among Ethiopia, Somalia, and Egypt. Attending the summit were Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. Their collaboration aims to strengthen relations among the three nations and tackle pressing regional security issues. President Mohamud, prior to the summit, held discussions with President Afwerki to reaffirm cooperation regarding Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, emphasizing the nation’s development amidst historical challenges. President Sisi’s visit, marking his first trip to Eritrea, is also significant against the backdrop of his government’s support for Somalia in its ongoing disputes with Ethiopia. The memorandum of understanding between Ethiopia and Somaliland to establish a naval base has been met with opposition from Mogadishu, asserting that it undermines its sovereignty. This fundamental disagreement has pushed Somalia closer to Egypt, culminating in a military agreement designed to combat the Al-Shabaab militant group and safeguard regional interests. President Sisi’s office indicated that his agenda focuses on fostering relations with Eritrea and promoting stability in the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea, aiming to enhance the welfare of regional populations. Conversely, the relationship between Ethiopia and Eritrea has soured recently despite Eritrea’s military support for Ethiopian forces during the Tigray conflict. Ethiopian Airlines has ceased operations to Asmara, citing challenging conditions, a reflection of the deteriorating relations between the two countries. Eritrea, which has been under Isaias’s stringent governance since achieving independence in 1993, continues to grapple with the ramifications of historical conflicts, including a notable war with Ethiopia from 1998 to 2000 that only recently saw a thawing of relations, illustrated by Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed receiving the Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts. The trilateral summit reflects the urgent need for collaboration and dialogue among these nations as they navigate increasing regional instability and complex geopolitical dynamics.
The Horn of Africa has been a region marked by complex geopolitical tensions, underscored by national interests and historical animosities. The recent maritime agreement between Ethiopia and Somaliland has intensified existing frictions, particularly along the relationship axis involving Mogadishu, which does not recognize Somaliland’s declaration of independence and views the deal as a direct threat to its territorial integrity. This has resonated throughout the region, drawing Egypt into the fold due to its historical rivalry with Ethiopia over water rights, especially concerning the Nile River. Accordingly, this summit of leaders represents a strategic effort to form alliances that could stabilize their interests in the face of ongoing rivalries and security threats faced by the region, particularly from sites like Somalia that contend with militant groups such as Al-Shabaab.
The meeting of the leaders of Egypt, Eritrea, and Somalia highlights the urgent need for collaborative strategies in the face of rising tensions within the Horn of Africa. With increasing security threats from regional rivalries, particularly following Ethiopia’s controversial agreement with Somaliland, the summit aimed to strengthen ties among the nations to ensure regional stability and security. As countries navigate their respective interests amidst historical grievances, the focus on cooperation, development, and sovereignty remains central to the discussions, illustrating the complex dance of diplomacy characterizing this volatile region.
Original Source: www.france24.com
