Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi visited Eritrea amidst rising tensions in the Horn of Africa, particularly due to strained relations with Ethiopia following a controversial agreement with Somaliland. The visits aim to bolster bilateral ties and address regional security issues, with a focus on enhancing stability in the area.
On Thursday, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of Somalia embarked on a diplomatic visit to Eritrea amid rising tensions in the Horn of Africa, particularly due to the deteriorating relations between Somalia and Ethiopia. Alongside him, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, whose administration has been providing support to Somalia in its ongoing disputes with Ethiopia, was also set to visit Eritrea later that day, according to a statement from his office. President Mohamud’s arrival in Asmara was on a three-day invitation extended by Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki. His delegation included Foreign Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi, and their discussions are expected to focus on bolstering bilateral relations and addressing regional and international issues of shared concern. The backdrop to this visit involves a notable escalation in regional tensions following Ethiopia’s contentious agreement with Somaliland, which has sparked significant backlash from Somalia owing to its non-recognition of Somaliland’s independence, declared in 1991. In response, Somalia has sought to strengthen its ties with Egypt, highlighted by a considerable military agreement established in August. Egypt has historically faced disputes with Ethiopia, particularly regarding the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam situated on the Blue Nile. This dam is perceived by Egypt as a potential threat to its vital water resources. President Sisi’s scheduled visit to Asmara is aimed at fostering improved relations with Eritrea and promoting stability and security within the Horn of Africa and the broader Red Sea region, with the intention of facilitating sustainable development that benefits the local populace. Relations between Addis Ababa and Asmara have remained fraught, despite Eritrean military backing for Ethiopian government forces during the Tigrayan conflict that spanned from 2020 to 2022. Recently, Ethiopian Airlines has even suspended flights to Asmara, citing adverse operating conditions. Eritrea, which has been governed by President Isaias Afwerki since its independence from Ethiopia in 1993 following a protracted thirty-year conflict, has often been described as the “North Korea” of Africa due to its strict governance and repressive measures.
The relations in the Horn of Africa are deeply affected by historical conflicts and territorial disputes, particularly between Ethiopia and Somalia, as well as with Somaliland. The signing of a deal between Ethiopia and Somaliland, which grants Somaliland maritime access, has intensified Somalia’s grievances due to its refusal to recognize Somaliland’s claim to independence. This has led Somalia to forge stronger military and economic ties with Egypt, which has had its own longstanding disputes with Ethiopia over water security, particularly associated with the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam. Eritrea’s political climate under Afwerki also contributes to the region’s instability, as it remains an authoritative regime with a contentious relationship with Ethiopia despite previous alliances during the conflicts in the region.
In conclusion, the visits by the leaders of Somalia and Egypt to Eritrea underscore the intricate geopolitical dynamics of the Horn of Africa, characterized by historical grievances, territorial disputes, and shifting alliances. As both Somalia and Egypt seek to navigate the tensions arising from Ethiopia’s actions, their diplomatic engagements with Eritrea illustrate a concerted effort to enhance regional cooperation and address mutual security concerns. The situation remains fluid, with underlying tensions likely to shape future interactions within the region.
Original Source: newscentral.africa
