Strengthening Regional Ties: Egypt, Eritrea, and Somalia Unite in Asmara Summit

Egypt, Eritrea, and Somalia have agreed to strengthen regional security ties during a summit in Asmara, focusing on challenges in the Horn of Africa such as tensions from Sudan, maritime disputes with Somaliland, and threats from the Red Sea. This meeting indicates a potential new alliance, notably excluding Ethiopia amid deteriorating relationships in the region.

On Thursday, the leaders of Egypt, Eritrea, and Somalia convened for an unprecedented summit in Asmara, where they committed to enhancing cooperation on regional security amidst escalating tensions in the Horn of Africa. This meeting followed mounting concerns regarding the instability in the region, significantly influenced by the ongoing war in Sudan, a contentious new agreement between Ethiopia and the self-declared Somaliland, and increasing hostilities in the Red Sea region from Houthi rebels targeting maritime vessels. The summit appears to mark the establishment of a new regional alliance, with Ethiopia notably absent from the discussions. Relations between Ethiopia and Somalia have deteriorated, particularly following Somalia’s strong opposition to the Somaliland agreement, pushing Somalia closer to Egypt, a historical rival of Ethiopia. The leaders—Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud—issued a joint statement affirming their intention to strengthen trilateral partnerships aimed at fostering regional stability. They emphasized the necessity of respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of regional states without naming specific countries. Their discussions encompassed several pressing matters, including Somalia’s internal challenges and the imperative to assist the Somali National Federal Army against terrorism. Additionally, the leaders expressed their commitment to addressing issues concerning Sudan and the Red Sea, agreeing to form a tripartite committee dedicated to strategic cooperation across various domains. This summit marked President al-Sisi’s first visit to Eritrea, a notable event as it is reportedly the first visit by an Egyptian leader since Hosni Mubarak visited in the early 1990s. Tensions in the region have been exacerbated by Ethiopia’s recent attempt to establish a military presence on the coast through its agreement with Somaliland. Somalia vehemently condemned this move as an infringement on its sovereignty. The political landscape further complicates as Somalia has entered a military partnership with Egypt, with Cairo pledging support against the Al-Shabaab militants. The already complex relations between Ethiopia, Eritrea, and Somalia remain tense, especially following the Ethiopian peace treaty with the Tigray People’s Liberation Front, which Eritrea has historically opposed. Despite these strains, Ethiopian officials maintain that their relationships with Eritrea are characterized by peace and amicability. Eritrea, often described as the “North Korea of Africa,” has endured years of isolation under the long-standing authoritarian rule of President Isaias since its independence from Ethiopia in 1993 after much conflict. While periods of rapprochement have occurred, such as the peace agreement that earned Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed a Nobel Peace Prize, the legacy of conflict continues to influence current regional dynamics.

The Horn of Africa has long been a region marked by strife and geopolitical tension. Recent events in Sudan, Somalia, and the Red Sea have intensified concerns regarding stability and security in this volatile area. Key issues include disagreements over the independence claims of Somaliland, Ethiopia’s relationships with its neighbors, and persistent hostilities from regional militant groups. The historical context of conflict and rivalry among Ethiopia, Eritrea, and Somalia shapes the contemporary alliances and tensions, making such summits critically important for future stability.

In summary, the summit among Egypt, Eritrea, and Somalia represents a significant attempt to forge a new alliance in the volatile Horn of Africa, underscored by the current regional challenges and the need for enhanced cooperation against common threats. The leaders’ commitments to improving security and addressing regional issues reflect the seriousness of the situation in the Horn and the shifting dynamics in the relationships among these states.

Original Source: www.modernghana.com