Djibouti’s Concerns Over Enhanced Somalia-Eritrea Relations

Djibouti has raised formal concerns about Somalia’s increasing relations with Eritrea, especially regarding President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s cooperation with Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki. Djibouti’s President, Ismaïl Omar Guelleh, has expressed unease, particularly about a tripartite summit in Eritrea. Historically, Djibouti’s relations with Eritrea have been strained due to territorial disputes, and Somalia’s engagement with Eritrea could jeopardize Djibouti’s regional influence.

Djibouti has expressed concern regarding the burgeoning relationship between Somalia and Eritrea. Sources inform that a formal complaint was submitted to Somalia’s President, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, following discussions with Djibouti’s President, Ismaïl Omar Guelleh. The primary issue relates to Djibouti’s anxiety over the influence Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki is establishing through this collaboration.

President Guelleh communicated his apprehension about the increased sway that Afwerki holds in Somalia. He notably questioned the rationale behind the recent tripartite summit, attended by leaders from Somalia, Egypt, and Eritrea, being held in Asmara rather than in Somalia’s capital, Mogadishu.

Djibouti has a history of strained relations with Eritrea due to territorial conflicts, contributing to longstanding tensions. Djibouti fears that an alignment between Somalia and Eritrea may threaten its own influence within the Horn of Africa. Since President Hassan Sheikh’s election, changes in Somalia’s foreign policy have created some instability in how it engages with its neighbors, including escalating frictions with both Djibouti and Ethiopia.

In conclusion, Djibouti’s formal complaint signals its growing concern over Somalia’s relations with Eritrea, primarily influenced by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s recent governance. The apprehension stems from the potential ramifications this alignment might have on regional dynamics and Djibouti’s standing amidst ongoing tensions with Eritrea. The evolving foreign policies of Somalia may indeed affect its relationships with neighboring countries, including Ethiopia.

Original Source: garoweonline.com