Leaders from Egypt, Eritrea, and Somalia gathered for a Tripartite Summit in Asmara to strengthen diplomatic ties and confront regional security issues. The meeting, driven by rising tensions between Somalia and Ethiopia over a disputed maritime agreement, emphasizes the importance of solidarity among these nations as they navigate sovereignty challenges and support military cooperation.
On Thursday, Presidents Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi of Egypt, Isaias Afwerki of Eritrea, and Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of Somalia convened in Asmara for a Tripartite Summit aimed at fortifying their bilateral relations and addressing pressing regional security issues. This summit, hosted by President Afwerki, indicates the formation of a strategic alliance among the three nations. The Egyptian delegation comprised Abbas Kamel, head of the General Intelligence Service, alongside Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty. The convening of this summit occurs against a backdrop of escalating tensions between Somalia and Ethiopia, primarily stemming from Ethiopia’s controversial maritime agreement with Somaliland, an autonomous region of Somalia. This agreement, deemed illegal by Somalia, has raised eyebrows among global stakeholders including the African Union (AU), which currently oversees a mission in Somalia known as the AU Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM). In light of this developing situation, Somalia is in the process of finalizing its upcoming AUSSOM composition, following the expiration of the existing mission. Hussein Moalim, the national security advisor for Somalia, articulated the nation’s stance, declaring that Ethiopian troops would not be welcomed in the new mission unless Ethiopia rescinds the memorandum signed with Somaliland. “Somalia would not consider Ethiopian troops to be part of the new mission unless it withdraws from the illegal memorandum of understanding signed with [Somalia’s breakaway region of] Somaliland earlier this year,” Moalim stated. The 2022 memorandum of understanding has been interpreted by Somalia as a transgression of its sovereignty, as it enables Ethiopia to access a twenty-kilometer stretch of the Red Sea coastline in exchange for potential recognition of Somaliland’s independence. The ramifications of this agreement have fueled a diplomatic crisis between Somalia and Ethiopia, resulting in the Ethiopian ambassador’s expulsion from Mogadishu and the possibility of the removal of thousands of Ethiopian troops in Somalia. Both Egypt and Eritrea have positioned themselves as advocates for Somalia’s sovereignty, explicitly opposing the Ethiopia-Somaliland agreement. President Al-Sisi has emphasized his nation’s commitment to Somalia’s unity and stability, referencing the country’s ongoing instability. “We do not support Somalia because of Ethiopia. We support them because they have been in a state of instability for 30 years,” President Al-Sisi remarked, reflecting on Egypt’s strategic approach towards Somalia. His statements follow the recent arrival of a considerable military aid shipment from Egypt to Somalia, marking a significant escalation in military support, one of the largest Somalia has received from its international partners. Somalia’s Defence Minister Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur affirmed, “We know our interests and we will choose between our allies and our enemies. Thank you, Egypt,” indicating fortified defense ties between the two countries. This military support follows the signing of a defense pact and military cooperation protocol between Egypt and Somalia during President Mohamud’s visit to Cairo in August, further solidifying the commitment of both nations to enhancing bilateral relations and ensuring regional security.
The Tripartite Summit in Asmara represents a significant diplomatic engagement among Egypt, Eritrea, and Somalia. Given the geopolitical tensions in the Horn of Africa, particularly the contentious relationship between Somalia and Ethiopia due to Ethiopia’s maritime agreement with Somaliland, this summit underscores the importance of collaboration among neighboring nations to address security concerns and assert regional sovereignty. Somalia’s ongoing instability and Ethiopia’s military presence in Somali territories further emphasize the need for unified action and mutual support among these countries to stabilize the region and promote peaceful coexistence.
In summation, the Tripartite Summit in Asmara marks a pivotal moment in the alliance between Egypt, Eritrea, and Somalia as they strive to bolster regional security and support Somalia’s sovereignty amid ongoing tensions with Ethiopia. The commitment of these nations to collaborate on defense and military support showcases their determination to navigate the complex geopolitical landscape effectively. The statements made by officials during the summit reinforce the collective objective of achieving stability and addressing the threats posed by external agreements affecting the region.
Original Source: www.dailynewsegypt.com
