Strengthening Security Ties: Somalia, Eritrea, and Egypt Unite Against Terrorism

Leaders from Somalia, Eritrea, and Egypt convened to strengthen security cooperation amid rising tensions in the Horn of Africa, agreeing to confront terrorism and respect territorial integrity. This partnership aims to address Somalia’s conflict with al-Shabab, while potentially unsettling Ethiopia due to its military presence in Somalia and ongoing disputes over regional resources.

Presidents Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of Somalia, Isaias Afwerki of Eritrea, and Abdel Fattah al-Sisi of Egypt convened in Asmara to enhance regional security amidst escalating tensions in the Horn of Africa. This summit, called by President Afwerki, sought to foster collaboration to address security challenges, notably Somalia’s ongoing struggle against the armed group al-Shabab. The leaders collectively emphasized the necessity of respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of each nation in the region, while also addressing the need to counter foreign interference in domestic affairs under any pretext. The leaders articulated their commitment to sharing efforts aimed at achieving regional stability, which included a robust approach to combating terrorism, securing land and maritime borders, and preserving Somalia’s territorial integrity. This security pact may provoke concerns in Ethiopia, which has deployed troops in Somalia to combat al-Qaeda affiliated factions yet faces a complicated relationship with Mogadishu due to Somalia’s recent military collaborations with Egypt, particularly in response to Ethiopia’s controversial port construction in Somaliland, a territory that lacks international recognition as an independent state. Furthermore, Egypt and Ethiopia’s longstanding discord surrounding the construction of a substantial hydroelectric dam on the Nile River underscores the complexity of regional relationships. Despite historical tensions, an Ethiopian Foreign Ministry spokesperson recently characterized relations with Eritrea as “peaceful,” highlighting a facade of cooperation amidst underlying rivalries.

The Horn of Africa is a region characterized by intricate political dynamics and security challenges, largely influenced by historical conflicts, territorial disputes, and terrorist activities. The summit between Somalia, Eritrea, and Egypt is significant given Somalia’s ongoing military engagements against al-Shabab, an al-Qaeda linked terrorist organization. The geopolitical context is further complicated by Ethiopia’s military presence in Somalia and its contentious relationship with Egypt, particularly concerning water resources from the Nile River. Additionally, Eritrean involvement in Ethiopian conflicts has influenced its relations with both Somalia and Ethiopia. The region is marked by instability, making cooperative security arrangements essential for regional peace.

The recent summit in Asmara marked a pivotal moment for Somalia, Eritrea, and Egypt as they seek to forge stronger security ties in response to ongoing threats from terrorism and regional instability. The leaders’ mutual commitment to uphold sovereignty, counter foreign interference, and collaborate against terrorism could set a precedent for enhanced cooperation. However, the implications of this alliance may complicate Ethiopia’s role in the region, suggesting that the pursuit of stability in the Horn of Africa remains fraught with challenges and potential tensions.

Original Source: www.aljazeera.com