Egypt and Somalia’s Leaders Engage in Diplomatic Talks in Eritrea Amid Regional Tensions

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El Sisi is preparing for discussions in Eritrea with Isaias Afwerki, focusing on bilateral relations and regional stability. Concurrently, Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud is in Asmara to bolster relations, against a backdrop of heightened tensions between Egypt and Ethiopia due to military agreements and territorial disputes. The region’s dynamics are influenced by historical rivalries and recent defense pacts that aim to reshape alliances.

On Thursday, Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah El Sisi is scheduled to arrive in Asmara, Eritrea’s capital, to engage in discussions with his Eritrean counterpart, President Isaias Afwerki. This visit, prompted by an invitation from President Afwerki, aims to enhance bilateral relations across various sectors while addressing the ongoing turmoil in the Horn of Africa and striving for peace in the region. Concurrently, Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud is currently in Asmara, leading a delegation that includes Foreign Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi. Their presence highlights the escalating tensions in the Horn of Africa, influenced by ongoing conflicts and disputes that have altered regional dynamics significantly. The backdrop of Mr. El Sisi’s visit is marked by escalating strains between Egypt and Ethiopia, stemming from Ethiopia’s construction of a significant dam on the Blue Nile. Recent events have further exacerbated tensions, particularly after Egypt and Somalia signed a defense pact on August 14, resulting in Egypt’s delivery of two arms shipments to Mogadishu. Following this, Egypt engaged in talks with Eritrea in September to strengthen military and intelligence collaborations, as emphasized by Egyptian former assistant foreign minister Rakha Ahmed Hassan. The agreement with Somalia and potential military cooperation with Eritrea signify Egypt’s strategic maneuvers to strengthen its position in the Horn of Africa amidst its ongoing standoff with Ethiopia. Eritrea and Ethiopia share a complicated historical relationship. The United States Institute of Peace characterized their interactions in 2023 as more of a rivalry. Although a peace agreement in 2018 temporarily alleviated tensions between Eritrea and Ethiopia, Eritrea’s dissatisfaction with Ethiopia’s 2022 agreement with the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) remains significant, as it undermined Eritrea’s goal to disband a group it perceives as a national security threat. Meanwhile, Somalia’s relationship with Ethiopia has deteriorated, particularly following a memorandum of understanding signed in January between Addis Ababa and Somaliland, which aims to recognize Somaliland’s autonomy in exchange for military base rights. This development has drawn Somalia closer to Egypt, leading to a strong warning from Somalia’s National Security Adviser, Hussein Sheikh Ali, regarding Ethiopian troops’ presence after the conclusion of an African Union peacekeeping mission aimed at combating Al Shabab insurgents. The African Union’s decision to renew the peacekeeping mission, coupled with Egypt’s commitment to contribute troops, indicates a deepening relationship between Egypt and Somalia, particularly since Somalia’s Federal Government assumed office in 2022. These developments reflect Egypt’s commitment to bolster its strategic relations in the region and assert its stance in the ongoing contention with Ethiopia. Egypt and Eritrea have historically maintained robust diplomatic ties since Eritrea’s independence from Ethiopia in 1993, with Egypt playing a pivotal role in mediating tensions during the 1998 border conflict. The nations have collaborated closely on various regional security concerns and have enjoyed considerable trade relations.

The dynamics of the Horn of Africa are heavily influenced by the relationships among Egypt, Somalia, Eritrea, and Ethiopia. This region faces significant challenges, including armed conflicts and territorial disputes, which necessitate diplomatic engagement and strategic partnerships. The backdrop of recent diplomatic activities includes a defense pact between Egypt and Somalia, exacerbating existing tensions with Ethiopia, particularly concerning the Nile River and military collaborations. Historical relationships, such as that of Eritrea and Ethiopia, further complicate the situation, presenting both challenges and opportunities for regional peace initiatives.

The visit of Egypt’s President El Sisi to Eritrea, alongside Somalia’s President Mohamud, underscores the intensifying diplomatic efforts in the Horn of Africa amidst escalating tensions with Ethiopia. These developments reflect a strategic approach by Egypt to fortify its influence in the region by enhancing military relations with Somalia and Eritrea while addressing the complex political landscape shaped by historical grievances and contemporary conflicts.

Original Source: www.thenationalnews.com