The summit in Asmara involving leaders from Eritrea, Egypt, and Somalia has raised concerns regarding their united front against Ethiopia, which has strained relations with each nation due to territorial and resource disputes. Despite assertions of cooperation from Somali officials, the meeting’s statements suggest significant political maneuvering related to Ethiopia’s aspirations for port access and broader regional security issues. Past reconciliations are overshadowing rising tensions, particularly following Ethiopia’s 2018 peace agreement with Eritrea and its recent military alignments with Somaliland.
The leaders of Eritrea, Egypt, and Somalia held a meeting in Asmara, underscoring their mutual concerns regarding Ethiopia, with which they have historically challenging relationships. An official statement from Eritrea highlighted a commitment to “respect for the sovereignty… and territorial integrity of the countries in the region,” which many interpreted as a veiled reference to Ethiopia’s aspirations for access to a seaport. Recent diplomatic tensions have drawn Somalia closer to Egypt and Eritrea, both of which have longstanding grievances against Ethiopia, raising alarm over the potential for conflict in the region. Hassan Khannenje, the director of the Horn International Institute for Strategic Studies, expressed concern to the BBC, stating, “This is an axis against [Ethiopian capital] Addis Ababa. I think it’s an attempt to bring the hate together in trying to increase pressure against Addis Ababa.” Despite this, Somalia’s Information Minister, Daud Aweis, contended that the summit was merely about fostering cooperation among the three nations, emphasizing, “We are not determined to instigate anything against Addis Ababa.” A photograph from the event depicted Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki alongside Egyptian President Abdul Fattah al-Sisi and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. They committed to strengthening Somali state institutions to tackle both internal and external challenges, asserting support for the Somali National Federal Army in its fight against terrorism. Notably, this visit marked President Sisi’s first to Asmara, while President Mohamud has made three visits within the year. Historically, Ethiopia has supported Somalia’s government in combating the militant group al-Shabaab. However, relations soured following Ethiopia’s agreement with Somaliland, which Somalia considers part of its territory. Tensions between Ethiopia and Egypt have persisted over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, which Egypt fears will threaten its water supply from the Nile. In August, significant military assistance was provided to Somalia by Egypt, culminating in a recent delivery of armaments. The thaw in Eritrea-Ethiopia relations, marked by Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s 2018 peace declaration, has deteriorated again after the Tigray civil conflict, amid further strains from Abiy’s recent aspirations for direct access to the Red Sea.
The dynamics within the Horn of Africa remain complex, particularly relating to the interplay between various nations’ interests and historical grievances. Ethiopia has long been landlocked, intensifying its desire for a seaport, while Somalia remains embroiled in disputes regarding the recognition of Somaliland. The volatile relationships in the region have been exacerbated by the construction of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, which has strained Ethiopia’s interactions with Egypt, a country relying heavily on the Nile River’s water supply. Furthermore, the post-civil war landscape in Ethiopia, particularly following the Tigray conflict, has rekindled tensions with Eritrea, which had previously experienced a reconciliation moment in 2018 when a peace accord was signed. The recent collaborative efforts between Egypt, Somalia, and Eritrea illustrate their shared concerns regarding Ethiopia’s influence and the potential implications for regional stability.
The recent summit between Eritrea, Egypt, and Somalia marks a significant development in the already strained relations with Ethiopia. The leaders’ meetings underscore a unified effort to address mutual concerns surrounding territorial integrity and security issues, specifically regarding Ethiopia’s maritime ambitions and internal conflicts. The contrasting narratives from officials in the involved countries highlight the complexity of regional politics, suggesting a delicate balance between cooperation and rivalry. Moving forward, these developments warrant close monitoring, as they bear implications for stability in the Horn of Africa.
Original Source: www.capitalfm.co.ke
