Djibouti has raised concerns over Somalia’s growing relationship with Eritrea, as expressed by President Ismaïl Omar Guelleh after a meeting with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. The apprehensions were particularly focused on Eritrea’s increasing influence through recent diplomatic engagements, raising questions about Somalia’s foreign policy direction and its impact on Djibouti’s standing in the region.
Djibouti has formally expressed apprehensions regarding the strengthening ties between Somalia and Eritrea following a meeting between Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Djibouti’s President Ismaïl Omar Guelleh. Reports indicate that President Guelleh conveyed his concerns about the growing influence that Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki is acquiring through Somalia’s engagement. The concerns were particularly directed at a recent tripartite summit in Eritrea, involving leaders from Somalia, Egypt, and Eritrea, which was held in Asmara rather than Mogadishu. This shift in diplomatic dynamics is distressing for Djibouti, which has a historically fraught relationship with Eritrea due to territorial disputes and regional tensions. There is a rising fear that Somalia’s burgeoning association with Eritrea may further marginalize Djibouti’s strategic position within the Horn of Africa region. Since President Hassan Sheikh’s ascension to power, Somalia’s foreign policy adjustments have introduced a level of volatility in its international relations, especially with neighboring countries, creating unease particularly between Djibouti and Ethiopia.
The relationship between Djibouti and Eritrea has been marred by historical conflicts and territorial disputes, leading to prolonged tensions. Djibouti fears that the strengthening of Somalia’s relationship with Eritrea, characterized by cooperation and recent summits, threatens to diminish its standing in the region. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s administration has sought to realign Somalia’s foreign policy and strengthen ties with Eritrea, causing alarm among Djibouti and other neighboring nations. The geopolitical landscape in the Horn of Africa is complex, with Djibouti’s concerns underscoring the precarious balance in alliances and regional stability.
In conclusion, Djibouti’s concerns over the deepening ties between Somalia and Eritrea highlight the fragile diplomatic dynamics in the Horn of Africa. The apprehensions voiced by President Guelleh regarding the influence of President Afwerki reflect the historical tensions between Djibouti and Eritrea and set the stage for potential future conflicts in regional relations. As Somalia continues to navigate its foreign policy under President Hassan Sheikh, the implications of its relationships with neighbors will require careful consideration to maintain stability and regional cooperation.
Original Source: www.garoweonline.com
