Eritrean and Somali Leaders Focus on Stability Amid Regional Tensions

Eritrea’s President Isaias Afwerki and Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud discussed strengthening ties and regional stability in Asmara, emphasizing Somalia’s stability as crucial for the Horn of Africa. Their meeting follows an October summit with Egypt aimed at enhancing cooperation, amidst growing tensions between Somalia and Ethiopia, particularly regarding Ethiopia’s maritime ambitions. Mohamud commended Eritrea’s support in training Somalia’s military, highlighting a collaborative effort toward achieving peace and security in the region.

On Wednesday, President Isaias Afwerki of Eritrea and President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of Somalia convened at the State House in Asmara, Eritrea, to discuss the strengthening of their bilateral relationship and significant regional and international matters of shared interest. The Eritrean Foreign Ministry highlighted that both leaders recognized the crucial role of Somalia’s stability for the greater Horn of Africa’s peace and security. “Securing and [guaranteeing] Somalia’s stability is pivotal for enduring regional peace and stability,” the statement noted, indicating that the leaders engaged deeply in related discussions to achieve their mutual objectives.

In October, a tripartite summit comprising the leaders of Egypt, Eritrea, and Somalia took place, responding to rising tensions within the Horn of Africa, particularly between Somalia and Ethiopia. The discussions led to an agreement encompassing defense, security, and diplomatic cooperation, amidst apprehensions regarding a controversial January agreement Ethiopia made with Somaliland, which would provide it access to the Red Sea.

Somali diplomats noted that during follow-up discussions on December 11, the two presidents reflected on an Ethiopia-Somalia agreement aimed at alleviating diplomatic tensions. They reported that an agreement in principle has been established, with ongoing work on its technical aspects. President Isaias emphasized the necessity for the Horn of Africa to resolve its challenges internally, moving away from detrimental external influences that often exacerbate conflicts, stating, “It is critical for the region to address and resolve its own challenges.”

President Mohamud expressed gratitude for Eritrea’s role in fortifying Somalia’s National Army and security infrastructure, remarking, “The support of Eritrea to Somalia is vital for the stability of Somalia as well as the Horn of Africa region.” Furthermore, they reaffirmed commitments made during the October Summit, which aimed to bolster cooperation and regional stability. The ongoing collaboration between Somalia and Egypt is underscored by Egypt’s pledge to send troops for the African Union’s peacekeeping mission in Somalia, particularly in light of Ethiopia’s maritime ambitions. For over four years, Eritrea has been instrumental in training thousands of Somali troops, including specialized training for naval and mechanized forces. Notably, this was President Mohamud’s eighth visit since his reelection in May 2022, evidencing sustained diplomatic engagement between the two nations.

The geopolitical landscape of the Horn of Africa has been characterized by complex relationships among its nations, particularly regarding security, stability, and cooperation. The tensions between Somalia and Ethiopia, especially following Ethiopia’s agreement with Somaliland, prompt regional leaders to engage with one another to strategize for peace and security in their nations and the region. The collaboration between Eritrea and Somalia highlights a broader initiative to unify their efforts against external pressures and to bolster their military capabilities, fundamentally driven by Somalia’s need for stability and security in light of its historical challenges. The role of Egypt in the context of this dialogue emphasizes the intersection of military cooperation and diplomatic alignment within African Union frameworks.

The discussions between President Isaias Afwerki of Eritrea and President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of Somalia underscore a concerted effort to enhance cooperation amidst regional tensions, particularly with regards to Somalia’s stability and its implications for the entire Horn of Africa. By addressing mutual concerns around defense and diplomatic relations, the leaders strive to fortify their bilateral ties while recognizing the necessity of internal resolutions against external interventions. Their ongoing collaboration reflects a commitment to regional stability and security and indicates a long-term framework for partnership in addressing shared challenges.

Original Source: www.voanews.com