President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of Somalia traveled to Eritrea amidst rising tensions with Ethiopia over a controversial maritime deal with Somaliland. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi is also visiting Eritrea, highlighting Egypt’s support for Somalia. The discussions aim to strengthen bilateral ties and address regional security challenges, against a backdrop of deteriorating Ethiopia-Eritrea relations.
In light of escalating tensions within the Horn of Africa, particularly the strained relationship between Somalia and Ethiopia, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of Somalia visited Eritrea on Thursday. His visit comes amidst increasing instability, which follows Ethiopia’s controversial maritime agreement with Somaliland, a territory that Somalia does not recognize as independent. President Mohamud’s itinerary includes discussions on strengthening bilateral relations, alongside various “regional and international issues of mutual interest,” as noted in an official statement from Eritrea’s information ministry. He arrived in Asmara late Wednesday, leading a delegation that included Foreign Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi. Simultaneously, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi is scheduled to join President Mohamud in Asmara, reflecting Egypt’s ongoing support for Somalia amidst its disputes with Ethiopia over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, which threatens Egypt’s water supply. The two leaders’ dialogues aim to enhance regional stability and security in the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea, which Egypt perceives as essential for the region’s long-term development and prosperity. Despite previous collaboration during the Tigray conflict, relations between Ethiopia and Eritrea have soured, leading to Ethiopian Airlines suspending flights to Asmara due to operational challenges. This backdrop underscores the complexity of regional alliances and the ongoing volatility in a region often described as precarious.
The Horn of Africa remains a highly volatile region with complex political dynamics, notably between Somalia, Ethiopia, and Eritrea. Somalia’s recent alignment with Egypt, spurred by common interests in countering Ethiopian influence, highlights geopolitical shifts in the area. Ethiopia’s agreement with Somaliland has ignited tensions, as Somalia firmly rejects Somaliland’s claim to independence. The historical enmity between Ethiopia and Egypt is primarily centered around water security issues related to the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, making diplomatic relations in the region crucial to maintaining stability. Furthermore, Eritrea’s isolationist policies under President Isaias Afwerki complicate its interactions with both Somalia and Ethiopia, reflecting the broader challenges of governance and cooperation in the Horn of Africa.
In summary, the visits by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of Somalia and President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi of Egypt to Eritrea underscore the intricate geopolitical landscape of the Horn of Africa. The strained relations between Somalia and Ethiopia, exacerbated by a recent maritime agreement between Ethiopia and Somaliland, necessitate a collaborative approach among neighboring nations to foster regional stability and development. As the leaders engage in crucial discussions, the outcomes will likely impact the broader security and political architecture of the region.
Original Source: newscentral.africa
