Eritrea’s President Isaias Afwerki stated that recent collaborations with Somalia and Egypt are not aimed at destabilizing Ethiopia but rather to enhance stability in the Horn of Africa. He condemned misinformation and emphasized Eritrea’s commitment to regional cooperation while criticizing Ethiopia’s internal issues and ongoing ethnic tensions.
Asmara, the capital of Eritrea, has recently hosted a Tripartite summit which President Isaias Afwerki asserts was not aimed at undermining Ethiopia’s federal government. He emphasized that the collaborative efforts among Eritrea, Somalia, and Egypt are mischaracterized as an anti-Ethiopian axis, a notion he attributes to propaganda designed to sow discord in the Horn of Africa. President Afwerki claimed that such partnerships aim to foster regional stability rather than escalate tensions.
Afwerki underlined Eritrea’s stance, stating, “Eritrea has no interest in seeing Ethiopia destabilized,” highlighting the nation’s commitment to cooperation amid regional volatility. He condemned the alleged foreign-backed disinformation campaigns that could inflame conflicts and insisted on Eritrea’s historical ties and supportive role in seeking peace in Sudan.
The context of this summit arises from increasing strains between Ethiopia, Somalia, and Egypt, particularly regarding Ethiopia’s agreements with Somaliland, which have provoked unease in Mogadishu. President Afwerki critiqued Ethiopia’s constitution for its failures in addressing ongoing ethnic tensions, particularly in Amhara and Tigray, where he noted substantial loss of life due to conflict.
Despite the predominant focus on Ethiopia, Afwerki reiterated Eritrea’s desire for stability in the region, emphasizing that solutions to conflicts in neighboring Sudan must be driven by the Sudanese people. He also remarked on Ethiopia’s intentions to remain active in Somalia’s peacekeeping efforts, despite opposition from the Somali government concerning the agreement with Somaliland.
The geopolitical dynamics of the Horn of Africa are characterized by long-standing tensions and complex relationships among neighboring states. Recent events, including a summit involving Eritrea, Somalia, and Egypt, have drawn attention due to allegations that these nations are forming a coalition against Ethiopia. Eritrea, under President Isaias Afwerki, has sought to redefine its position in the region, asserting a commitment to stability and cooperation. Ethiopia’s evolving role in Somali affairs, particularly its agreements with Somaliland, has added to regional anxieties, along with its disputes with Egypt over the Nile Basin.
In summary, President Isaias Afwerki’s remarks during the recent summit indicate a desire to dispel allegations of forming an anti-Ethiopian axis among Eritrea, Somalia, and Egypt. He maintains that Eritrea is dedicated to fostering stability and cooperation in a historically volatile region while criticizing Ethiopia’s internal issues. The ongoing tensions in the Horn of Africa underscore the necessity for dialogue and mutual understanding to alleviate rising conflicts.
Original Source: www.garoweonline.com
