Somalia, Eritrea and Egypt Strengthen Security Ties Amid Regional Tensions

The presidents of Somalia, Eritrea, and Egypt have pledged to enhance security cooperation to improve stability in the Horn of Africa amidst the ongoing conflict with the al-Shabab group in Somalia. The summit in Asmara focused on mutual respect for sovereignty, anti-terrorism efforts, and the importance of regional collaboration, while also highlighting potential tensions with Ethiopia.

In a significant development for regional security, the presidents of Somalia, Eritrea, and Egypt convened in Asmara to discuss and strengthen cooperation aimed at enhancing stability across the Horn of Africa. The summit, initiated by Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki, brought together Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud to address the ongoing threat posed by the al-Shabab militant group in Somalia. At the conclusion of their discussions, the leaders jointly emphasized their commitment to bolstering security ties and fostering regional stability, as well as reaffirming their respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the nations within the region. The Eritrean Information Ministry’s statement highlighted the importance of confronting any foreign interference in domestic affairs under various pretexts and the necessity of coordinating efforts to create an environment conducive to sustainable development. With regards to the precarious security situation in Somalia, where the national army continues to combat al-Shabab, the leaders committed to collaborating more closely in countering terrorism in all its facets, while simultaneously safeguarding their land and maritime borders. This trilateral security agreement, however, may create tensions with Ethiopia, which has a significant military presence in Somalia engaged in operations against al-Qaeda-affiliated forces. Ethiopia’s relations with Somalia have been strained due to disagreements surrounding plans for the construction of a port in the separatist region of Somaliland, which remains unrecognized by the international community. In response to perceived provocations from Ethiopia, Somalia formalized a military partnership with Egypt as early as August, concurrently, Egypt expressed its readiness to deploy troops for a forthcoming African Union-led mission targeting al-Shabab insurgents. The longstanding discord between Egypt and Ethiopia regarding the construction of a massive hydroelectric dam on the Nile further complicates the geopolitics of the region. Additionally, although Eritrea has historically aligned itself with Ethiopian government forces in the conflict against Tigrayan factions, its exclusion from peace negotiations related to this crisis has contributed to rising tensions with Ethiopia. In stark contrast, the Ethiopian Foreign Ministry spokesperson described the relationship with Eritrea as “peaceful,” asserting a commitment to maintain “good neighbourliness and good friendship.”

The geopolitical landscape of the Horn of Africa has experienced increased volatility in recent years, marked by the rise of militant groups such as al-Shabab in Somalia. This situation has compelled neighboring nations to reevaluate and enhance their cooperation strategies for regional security. The relationships among Somalia, Eritrea, and Egypt are particularly critical as they navigate shared challenges, including military interventions and territorial disputes. The involvement of external powers and the complex history of hostilities between Ethiopia and its neighbors add layers to the ongoing efforts for stability in the region, as evidenced by the respective military pacts and collaborative initiatives recently formed.

The agreement reached among the leaders of Somalia, Eritrea, and Egypt underscores a strategic shift towards increased collaboration to address security challenges facing the Horn of Africa. Particularly in light of the ongoing conflict with al-Shabab, this trilateral commitment aims to enhance regional stability and confront foreign interference while safeguarding national borders. However, the implications of this pact could potentially exacerbate tensions with Ethiopia, whose military presence in Somalia and strained relations with both Somalia and Eritrea have significant geopolitical ramifications.

Original Source: www.aljazeera.com