On October 11, 2024, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki, and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud agreed to provide comprehensive support for Somalia’s security restoration through its national army. The leaders discussed regional cooperation to counter destabilizing actions, support for Somalia during tensions with Ethiopia, and the importance of Red Sea collaborations. They also addressed the urgent need for a ceasefire in Sudan and commitments to enhancing trade and investment among their nations.
On October 11, 2024, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi convened with Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud in Asmara, where they reached a consensus to provide comprehensive support to Somalia’s security restoration efforts. President Sisi emphasized that this initiative would be realized through the strengthening of the Somali national army, in alignment with President Mohamud’s vision for national stability. During a joint press conference addressing regional challenges, Sisi articulated their commitment to discussing collaborative approaches through both bilateral and multilateral channels to ensure peace in Somalia. He remarked, “We convened today to consult and share perspectives on how to counter plans and actions aimed at destabilizing and fragmenting countries in the region.” Furthermore, President Sisi reiterated Egypt’s steadfast support for Somalia amid rising tensions between Somalia and Ethiopia, especially concerning an agreement that allows Ethiopia access to a port in Somaliland, a self-declared but unrecognized state by Egypt. President Mohamud asserted the sovereignty of Somalia, stating emphatically that “no one has the power to give away a piece of Somalia.” Sisi also highlighted the critical importance of cooperation between Egypt, Eritrea, and Somalia, particularly in exploiting developmental opportunities in the Red Sea region. They pledged to enhance institutional coordination to secure maritime navigation and utilize the natural resources of the Red Sea effectively. Additionally, discussions included the need for a lasting ceasefire in Sudan, reflecting a shared urgency to stabilize the situation there and safeguard national institutions. Sisi noted, “It is also a powerful reminder of the urgent need to consolidate these enduring relations to address the shared challenges we face in the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea.” The leaders committed to bolstering trade, investment, and capacity-building undertakings amongst their nations.
President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi’s discussions with Eritrean and Somali leaders reflect ongoing geopolitical dynamics in the Horn of Africa. Recent tensions, particularly the Somali-Ethiopian relations broiled by the Ethiopian-Somaliland agreement regarding port access, underscore the fragile stability in the region. Sisi’s emphasis on Somalia’s unity and territorial integrity aligns with Egypt’s strategic interests in maintaining peace and counterbalancing threats from Ethiopia. Moreover, the talks revealed a broader intent to establish a cooperative framework among countries bordering the Red Sea in light of international maritime concerns.
In conclusion, the deliberations among the leaders of Egypt, Eritrea, and Somalia mark a significant commitment to regional stability and security. Their agreement to support Somalia’s national army highlights a unified approach to restoring peace in the face of external and internal challenges. The focus on cooperation for sustainable development and the utilization of Red Sea resources indicates a strategic alliance aimed at enhancing economic ties and resolving regional tensions effectively.
Original Source: www.egypttoday.com
