Regional Leaders Collaborate Amid Mounting Tensions in the Horn of Africa

Recent visits by Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi to Eritrea reflect escalating tensions in the Horn of Africa, particularly due to Ethiopia’s controversial agreement with Somaliland. The leaders are set to discuss enhancing bilateral ties and addressing regional stability, as Somalia seeks support from Egypt in its disputes with Ethiopia. Meanwhile, the deteriorating relations between Ethiopia and Eritrea and their implications for regional security remain pressing issues.

On Thursday, Somalia’s President, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, arrived in Eritrea amid escalating tensions in the Horn of Africa, particularly between Somalia’s capital, Mogadishu, and Ethiopia’s Addis Ababa. Concurrently, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi was also set to travel to Asmara, following support from his government for Somalia in its ongoing disputes with Ethiopia. President Mohamud’s visit, extended at the invitation of Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki, is scheduled for three days and includes a delegation featuring Foreign Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi. The discussions between Mohamud and Afwerki are anticipated to focus on strengthening bilateral relationships and addressing pertinent regional and international matters. The Horn of Africa has seen increased instability following Ethiopia’s contentious agreement with Somaliland, which grants that territory access to the sea, igniting fury in Somalia due to its refusal to recognize Somaliland’s independence claim established in 1991. In response to these tensions, Somalia has fortified its alliances with Egypt, as evidenced by a significant military agreement established in August. Historically, Egypt has been at odds with Ethiopia, particularly regarding the construction of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam on the Blue Nile, a project Egypt perceives as a potential threat to its vital water resources. President al-Sisi’s forthcoming visit to Eritrea aims to bolster relations between the two nations and promote stability and security within the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea, ultimately benefiting the region’s populace. Meanwhile, relations between Ethiopia and Eritrea continue to deteriorate, despite Eritrean forces aiding the Ethiopian government in its conflict against Tigrayan rebels from 2020 to 2022. Moreover, Ethiopian Airlines has recently announced the suspension of flights to Asmara, citing challenging operating conditions. Eritrea, often referred to as the “North Korea of Africa”, has been governed under the authoritarian rule of President Isaias Afwerki since its independence from Ethiopia in 1993, following a protracted thirty-year war. This precarious and complex geopolitical landscape necessitates continued diplomatic engagement to ensure peace and development in the region.

The Horn of Africa is a region marked by political instability and historical contention, particularly between Somalia, Ethiopia, and Eritrea. Relations have been historically fraught due to issues of sovereignty, territorial claims, and resource management, notably concerning water access from the Nile. The recent agreement between Ethiopia and Somaliland has exacerbated tensions in Somalia, prompting the Somali government to seek strategic alliances, notably with Egypt, which shares its concerns over Ethiopian actions impacting regional water security. Eritrea, with its own complex history and relationships, remains a key player in regional dynamics, further complicating the geopolitical landscape.

In conclusion, the visits by Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi to Eritrea underscore the rising tensions in the Horn of Africa and highlight the need for diplomatic efforts to stabilize the region. With Somalia facing challenges related to its territorial claims and seeking to strengthen ties with Egypt amidst regional disputes, the discussions between the leaders are pivotal for fostering cooperation and addressing shared concerns. The evolving relationships among these nations are crucial for achieving sustained peace and security in this historically volatile area.

Original Source: newscentral.africa