The leaders of Egypt, Eritrea, and Somalia convened in Asmara to enhance regional security cooperation amid heightened tensions in the Horn of Africa. This gathering, marking a new alliance among the three nations, focused on challenges posed by the conflict in Sudan, Ethiopia’s dealings with Somaliland, and threats in the Red Sea. They agreed to strengthen ties while emphasizing sovereignty and the need to confront foreign interference in regional affairs.
In an extraordinary summit held in Asmara, leaders of Egypt, Eritrea, and Somalia committed to enhancing cooperation to promote regional security amid escalating tensions in the Horn of Africa. The meeting’s urgency stemmed from ongoing concerns related to the conflict in Sudan, contentious agreements between Ethiopia and Somaliland, and recent maritime threats in the Red Sea. This summit marks a pivotal shift towards a new alliance in the region, notably sidelining Ethiopia, which has seen deteriorating relations with both Somalia and Eritrea in recent months.
The gathering was convened by Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki, with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud in attendance. Following discussions, the leaders issued a statement expressing their intention to strengthen trilateral ties to enhance stability, emphasizing the need for respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of regional states. They acknowledged the imperative of combating external interference in domestic affairs, thereby fostering conditions suitable for sustainable development.
In addressing Somalia, the leaders pledged to bolster cooperation to assist it in navigating internal and external challenges, particularly in empowering the Somali National Federal Army to tackle terrorism and secure its borders. Additionally, they focused on the Sudan crisis and agreed to establish a committee for cooperative strategic initiatives across various domains.
This summit was a significant diplomatic event, marking President Sisi’s inaugural visit to Asmara, a notable occurrence since former President Hosni Mubarak’s visit in the early 1990s. While Eritrea and Ethiopia have experienced fluctuating relations, the recent memorandum involving Ethiopia leasing a coastline from Somaliland has infuriated Somalia, further complicating regional dynamics. Subsequently, Somalia has sought to strengthen military alliances with Egypt, signaling a realignment in the region’s geopolitical landscape.
The tensions between Ethiopia, Somalia, and Eritrea are exacerbated by their historical conflicts and contemporary strategic interests, particularly regarding water rights and security issues.
The Horn of Africa has consistently been a region characterized by political instability and conflict. Recent events such as the war in Sudan, the Ethiopia-Somaliland maritime agreement, and increased hostilities from Houthi rebels have intensified concerns about regional stability. Traditionally, Ethiopia has been a dominant force in the Horn, but the recent shifts in alliances—particularly Somalia’s pivot towards Egypt and Eritrea—underscore a significant transformation in the political fabric of the area. Moreover, Eritrea’s isolation and its long-standing tensions with Ethiopia add layers of complexity to any potential cooperation among these nations, calling for a reassessment of alliances and strategies for peace and security.
The summit in Asmara between Egypt, Eritrea, and Somalia signifies a crucial development in the volatile geopolitical landscape of the Horn of Africa. By establishing a collaborative framework to address mutual concerns, these leaders seek to enhance stability and security within the region. The exclusion of Ethiopia from this trilateral dialogue highlights the shifting allegiances and challenges facing regional countries. As they confront external threats and navigate historical grievances, the solidarity expressed at this summit may pave the way for future cooperation or deeper divisions among these nations.
Original Source: www.barrons.com
