Eritrea, Egypt, and Somalia Forge Alliance Against Ethiopia

Eritrea, Egypt, and Somalia have formed a new coalition against Ethiopia, driven by longstanding territorial disputes and recent diplomatic tensions. Leaders from these countries met in Asmara to enhance military cooperation and security efforts in Somalia, while underscoring support for regional sovereignty. This alliance is seen as an attempt to increase pressure on Ethiopia, particularly regarding its actions with Somaliland and the Nile dam dispute with Egypt.

The leaders of Egypt, Somalia, and Eritrea convened in Asmara, the capital of Eritrea, to solidify their alliance in opposition to Ethiopia. This summit culminated in a statement underscoring the importance of “respect for the sovereignty… and territorial integrity of the countries in the region,” which may implicitly allude to Ethiopia’s aspirations for a maritime port. Recent diplomatic tensions have fostered closer relationships between Somalia and Egypt, particularly following Somalia’s dissatisfaction with Ethiopia’s deal with Somaliland, which it considers part of its territory. Academic commentary indicates that this burgeoning coalition is a concerted effort to amplify pressure on the Ethiopian government, as highlighted by Hassan Khannenje, the director of the Horn International Institute for Strategic Studies. A significant photograph captured the leaders’ unity, showing President Isaias Afwerki of Eritrea, President Abdul Fattah al-Sisi of Egypt, and President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of Somalia clasping hands. The trio has committed to fortifying Somali state institutions to address internal and external threats and to better equip the Somali National Federal Army to combat terrorism. Additionally, this meeting marks a notable shift as Egyptian military support to Somalia, through arms deliveries, indicates an escalation in military collaboration between these nations.

The relationship dynamics in the Horn of Africa have long been complex, particularly involving Ethiopia, Egypt, Eritrea, and Somalia. Ethiopia’s recent diplomatic moves, including a controversial agreement with Somaliland, have escalated tensions with Somalia, which views this action as a violation of its territorial rights. Furthermore, the longstanding dispute between Egypt and Ethiopia regarding the construction of a massive hydroelectric dam on the Nile has complicated inter-state relations. After years of conflict, the conflict between Ethiopia and Eritrea seemed reconciled following a peace agreement in 2018; however, subsequent tensions emerged following Ethiopia’s civil war and its aspirations for a Red Sea port. The current alliance among Egypt, Eritrea, and Somalia is perceived as a strategic maneuver against Ethiopia in light of these historical and ongoing disputes.

The recent summit in Asmara has marked a pivotal moment in the geopolitical landscape of the Horn of Africa, as Egypt, Somalia, and Eritrea unite against Ethiopia over complex historical grievances and territorial disputes. The strengthening of military ties, alongside a commitment to collective security and stability, suggests that this coalition may be poised to exert significant pressure on the Ethiopian government amidst an increasingly contentious regional atmosphere. As tensions continue to escalate, the potential for conflicts in the region raises serious concerns about the future of diplomatic relations among these nations.

Original Source: www.bbc.com