Egypt, Somalia, and Eritrea Leaders Convene Amid Rising Regional Tensions

Leaders from Egypt, Somalia, and Eritrea gathered in Asmara for a summit aimed at addressing rising tensions in the Horn of Africa related to Ethiopia’s maritime deal with Somaliland. Discussions focused on regional security, bilateral cooperation, and Somalia’s sovereignty amidst growing geopolitical rivalries.

The leaders of Egypt, Somalia, and Eritrea convened in Asmara for a significant summit aimed at addressing escalating tensions in the Horn of Africa. This gathering occurred in the wake of a controversial maritime agreement signed in January between Ethiopia and the self-declared independent region of Somaliland, which has heightened concerns over regional security and stability. The deal has exacerbated existing rivalries, particularly straining relations between Ethiopia and Somalia. The three leaders—Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud—planned to discuss enhancing bilateral ties and addressing pressing matters regarding security within the region. President Mohamud, prior to the summit, held discussions with President Isaias, emphasizing the necessity for increased cooperation to ensure Somalia’s sovereignty and development in the face of significant historical challenges. President Sisi’s visit to Eritrea was particularly notable as it underscored Egypt’s support for Somalia amid the contentious standoff with Ethiopia. Furthermore, bilateral relations between Somalia and Egypt have strengthened following the signing of a military agreement in August, which included Egypt’s commitment to providing troops for an African Union initiative against the extremist group al-Shabab. The backdrop of this summit was also marked by Somalia’s increased apprehension regarding Ethiopia’s maritime agreement with Somaliland, perceived as a direct threat to its territorial integrity. Moreover, the relationship between Ethiopia and Eritrea, once allies during Ethiopia’s internal conflict, has also soured, evidenced by Ethiopian Airlines ceasing flights to Asmara due to challenging operational conditions. In addition to discussing military cooperation, President Sisi aimed to build upon relations with Eritrea, focusing on stability and security measures in the Horn of Africa and Red Sea regions.

The Horn of Africa has historically been a region of complex geopolitical dynamics, with Ethiopia, Somalia, and Eritrea at the epicenter of these tensions. The recent maritime agreement between Ethiopia and Somaliland has reignited an age-old territorial dispute, especially as Somalia’s claim over Somaliland remains unrecognized internationally. The geopolitical interests of these nations often align or clash depending on regional stability, economic strategies, and security concerns, particularly concerning militant threats like al-Shabab. This summit is critical as it seeks to unify their positions amidst a highly volatile environment, balancing national interests with collective security.

The summit in Asmara represents a pivotal moment for the leaders of Egypt, Somalia, and Eritrea as they navigate the intricacies of regional tensions emanating from Ethiopia’s recent maritime agreements. With rising concerns over territorial integrity and security, the collaboration among these nations is essential to forge a path toward stability in the Horn of Africa. Moreover, this trilateral meeting underscores the necessity of diplomatic engagement and strengthened relations as a bulwark against the challenges posed by both internal and external threats.

Original Source: english.alarabiya.net