Leaders of Egypt, Eritrea, Somalia Meet Amidst Rising Regional Tensions

Leaders from Egypt, Eritrea, and Somalia held a summit in Asmara amidst rising tensions due to Ethiopia’s maritime deal with Somaliland. The meeting aimed to enhance cooperation, address regional security, and reaffirm each country’s sovereignty against the backdrop of ongoing rivalries and military agreements.

The leaders of Egypt, Eritrea, and Somalia convened for a three-way summit in Asmara on Thursday, navigating increased tensions within the Horn of Africa region. The meeting emerges in the wake of Ethiopia’s controversial agreement with the self-declared Somali region of Somaliland, which permits this region access to the sea, thus heightening concerns about stability and security in the area. The maritime arrangement has sparked ire in Mogadishu, intensifying ongoing rivalries as relations deteriorate between Ethiopia and both Somalia and Egypt. Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud participated in discussions aimed at reinforcing their bilateral ties and addressing pressing regional security matters. Upon his arrival, President Mohamud engaged in preliminary talks with President Isaias, focusing on enhancing cooperative efforts to safeguard Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity amidst significant historical challenges. President Sisi’s visit, marking his inaugural trip to Asmara, was also intended to include further discussions with President Isaias before the summit. The contentious memorandum between Addis Ababa and Somaliland stands to lease a coastal region to establish a naval base, which Somalia vehemently opposes, claiming it violates its sovereignty. In response to this development, Somalia has forged closer ties with Egypt, culminating in a military agreement aimed at counteracting Al-Shabaab insurgents. Furthermore, Cairo has exhibited longstanding grievances towards Ethiopia over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam on the Blue Nile River, a project Egypt believes poses a critical threat to its water resources. President Sisi’s visit underscores a commitment to fostering stability in the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea, focusing on the advancement of regional relations and the mutual interests of its populations. Tensions have also risen between Ethiopia and Eritrea, despite their historical cooperation during the recent Tigray conflict. Eritrea continues to maintain military presence in Tigray, which has fueled dissatisfaction concerning the peace accord established between Ethiopia and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF). Ethiopian Airlines’ recent suspension of flights to Asmara highlights the ongoing operational challenges within the region, compounded by Eritrea’s strict governance under President Isaias since its independence in 1993.

The recent summit between the leaders of Egypt, Eritrea, and Somalia occurs against a backdrop of escalating tensions in the Horn of Africa. A pivotal cause of these tensions is Ethiopia’s agreement with Somaliland, which grants it maritime access, provoking Somalia’s ire and fostering nationalistic sentiments within the region. This situation underscores the delicate balance of power among these nations, as Egypt finds itself aligned with Somalia amidst broader geopolitical complexities, including issues related to the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam. Eritrea’s long-standing governance issues and military presence in Tigray further complicate the region’s stability, highlighting the intertwined relationships among these three nations historically and politically.

The summit of leaders from Egypt, Eritrea, and Somalia is a significant diplomatic effort to address the growing regional tensions stemming from Ethiopia’s recent agreement with Somaliland. The discussions aimed to bolster cooperation and reaffirm each nation’s sovereignty and territorial integrity amidst historical grievances and geopolitical rivalries. The outcomes of such summits could play a crucial role in shaping the future dynamics within the Horn of Africa, particularly regarding security and development initiatives.

Original Source: www.france24.com