El-Sisi and Regional Leaders Commit to Supporting Somalia’s Security Restoration

On October 11, 2024, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi met with Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud in Asmara. The leaders agreed to fully support Somalia’s security restoration through its national army, with discussions revolving around bilateral and multilateral efforts for peace. They also focused on enhancing cooperation among Red Sea nations, addressing regional tensions, and improving trade and investment ties.

On October 11, 2024, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi convened a significant meeting in Asmara with Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. The primary focus of this summit was to solidify a commitment towards providing comprehensive support for the restoration of security in Somalia, particularly through the empowerment of its national army, thereby actualizing President Mohamud’s vision for national stability. During a joint press conference, President Sisi articulated the discussions held regarding various proposals for this support mechanism, encompassing bilateral, multilateral, as well as regional and international initiatives aimed at fostering peace in Somalia. “We convened today to consult and share perspectives on how to counter plans and actions aimed at destabilizing and fragmenting countries in the region,” stated Sisi. He further emphasized the importance of cooperation among these nations in light of emerging tensions, particularly those stemming from a controversial agreement between Ethiopia and Somaliland concerning port access, which President Mohamud has vehemently opposed by asserting, “no one has the power to give away a piece of Somalia.” In addition to the discussions surrounding Somalia, the leaders recognized the significant opportunity for development and prosperity within the Red Sea region, aiming to strengthen their collaborative efforts to mitigate disruptions in international maritime navigation. They agreed on the necessity of enhancing institutional coordination to secure navigational routes and to capitalize on the natural resources of the Red Sea. Moreover, the presidents deliberated on the ongoing crisis in Sudan, underlining the urgent requirement for a permanent ceasefire and the protection of Sudanese national institutions. President Sisi reaffirmed the strength of relations among Egypt, Eritrea, and Somalia, advocating for expanded trade, investment ties, and cooperative capacity building, thus fostering increased prosperity for their peoples.

The agreement between Egypt, Eritrea, and Somalia arises from a shared concern for regional security and stability, particularly in the face of escalating tensions in the Horn of Africa. The meeting takes place against the backdrop of Somalia’s ongoing struggle for national unity and the sovereignty issues exacerbated by external engagements, such as the Ethiopia-Somaliland agreement which has stirred controversy. This gathering represents a diplomatic effort to enhance cooperative measures and reaffirm commitment to support Somalia’s security restoration while also addressing broader regional challenges including maritime security in the Red Sea and the crisis in Sudan.

The meeting between Presidents El-Sisi, Afwerki, and Mohamud marks a critical step towards establishing a framework for collaborative security measures in Somalia. By pledging comprehensive support for the Somali national army and addressing regional tensions, these leaders aim to foster stability not only in Somalia but throughout the Horn of Africa. The discussions reflect a mutual recognition of the need for strong partnerships to tackle shared challenges and enhance development opportunities among the nations bordering the Red Sea.

Original Source: www.egypttoday.com