Strengthening Alliances: Somalia and Eritrea’s Collaborative Efforts with Egypt

Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud is visiting Asmara to strengthen diplomatic ties with Eritrea and discuss regional security issues. His trip may include a trilateral dialogue with Egypt, potentially leading to a military alliance against Ethiopia. Egypt has begun military support for Somalia amid heightened tensions, while discussions of military collaboration with Eritrea are also underway.

The President of Somalia, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, embarked on a visit to Asmara, Eritrea, to engage in discussions with his Eritrean counterpart, Isaias Afwerki. The agenda for their meetings will emphasize enhancing bilateral relations and addressing regional challenges within the Horn of Africa. Accompanied by Somalia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ahmed Moalim Fiqi, President Mohamud indicated that they aim to bolster cooperation on pivotal matters, particularly concerning regional security and stability. Sources from Garowe Online suggest that President Mohamud’s visit may also include a trilateral dialogue involving Egypt. Such a development could potentially signal a military alliance between Somalia, Eritrea, and Egypt, particularly in light of rising tensions with Ethiopia. In a preceding meeting during the UN General Assembly, the foreign ministers of Egypt, Somalia, and Eritrea convened to reaffirm their commitment to regional stability, mutual respect, and territorial integrity. Since August, Egypt has been supplying military aid to Somalia, marking the largest arms shipment since the embargo on the country was lifted. This consignment has included various weaponry, demonstrating Egypt’s support amid ongoing diplomatic strains with Ethiopia. This military cooperation is further solidified by a recent agreement allowing 10 Egyptian soldiers to be stationed in Mogadishu, a move that has drawn considerable ire from Ethiopia. Moreover, discussions are underway for potential partnerships with Eritrea regarding military agreements, emphasizing the imperative of safeguarding maritime shipping routes in the Red Sea. These developments follow a recent visit to Asmara by Egyptian intelligence chief Kamal Abbas and Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty, aimed at strengthening bilateral ties. Egypt has strategically aligned itself with Somalia in its discord with Ethiopia, particularly following a controversial maritime accord with Somaliland, a self-declared state lacking recognition from Mogadishu. Under this memorandum, Ethiopia could access the Red Sea via the port of Berbera in exchange for recognizing Somaliland’s independence. This agreement has prompted varied responses across the region, with Somalia receiving backing from Egypt, Eritrea, and Turkey, while Ethiopia has sought to establish relations with Puntland, a region frequently at odds with Somalia’s federal government.

The article details the diplomatic engagement between Somalia and Eritrea, highlighting the potential formation of a trilateral alliance with Egypt to address shared challenges, particularly in response to the dynamics involving Ethiopia. It underscores the ongoing military cooperation between Egypt and Somalia, further complicating the regional landscape and signaling strategic shifts in alliances. The context of historical disputes, especially concerning maritime agreements and territorial integrity, is pivotal to understanding the motivations behind these discussions and the involvement of external powers such as Egypt and Turkey.

In conclusion, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s visit to Eritrea signifies a critical moment in regional diplomacy, potentially heralding a new alliance among Somalia, Eritrea, and Egypt aimed at countering Ethiopian influence. The military cooperation between Egypt and Somalia coupled with ongoing discussions with Eritrea illustrates a concerted effort to solidify security and political ties in the Horn of Africa. As these developments unfold, they are likely to recalibrate power relations in the region, with implications for stability and security moving forward.

Original Source: www.agenzianova.com