Egypt, Somalia, and Eritrea: Leaders Summit Amid Regional Tensions

On October 10, 2024, leaders of Egypt, Eritrea, and Somalia met in Asmara to discuss regional security amidst rising tensions primarily due to Ethiopia’s maritime agreement with Somaliland. This summit aims to bolster cooperation in maintaining sovereignty and stability in the Horn of Africa.

On October 10, 2024, the leaders of Egypt, Eritrea, and Somalia convened for a significant three-way summit in Asmara, Eritrea, amid rising tensions in the Horn of Africa. The meeting included Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, who aimed to address pressing concerns regarding regional security and stability. The backdrop to this summit arises from increased instability since Ethiopia’s controversial March agreement with the breakaway region of Somaliland. This maritime deal, which permits Ethiopia access to the coastline, has aggravated relationships between Somalia and Ethiopia, highlighting deep-seated regional rivalries. Somalia, which does not recognize Somaliland’s autonomy declared in 1991, views this agreement as a violation of its territorial integrity. Eritrea’s ministry emphasized that the discussions would focus on enhancing cooperation among the three nations to fortify their sovereignty and unity, particularly amidst Somalia’s ongoing struggles for territorial stability. President Mohamud, who has previously engaged in multiple visits to Eritrea, underscored the essential nature of cooperation in maintaining Somalia’s development in light of longstanding challenges. President El-Sisi arrived in Asmara specifically to intensify relations with Eritrea and to deliberate on establishing stability in the Horn of Africa, especially concerning mutual security interests. He arrived as tensions simultaneously mount over Ethiopia’s actions and long-standing water disputes centered on the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam on the Blue Nile, which Egypt claims jeopardizes its water resources. Relations between Eritrea and Ethiopia have also become strained despite previous military alliances during Ethiopia’s civil conflicts, illustrating the complex and evolving geopolitical landscape of this region. In summation, this summit marks a pivotal moment for Egypt, Somalia, and Eritrea as they seek to navigate an increasingly complex regional framework characterized by disputes and collaborations.

The Horn of Africa is a region marked by historical conflicts, territorial disputes, and complex inter-state relations. The recent agreement between Ethiopia and Somaliland has heightened tensions, as Somalia views it as an infringement on its sovereignty. Additionally, Egypt’s longstanding concerns regarding the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam have created further complications in relations with Ethiopia. The need for cooperative security frameworks has become critical as the nations navigate their individual and collective challenges.

The three-way summit in Asmara reflects the urgent need for collaborative strategies among Egypt, Eritrea, and Somalia to address the myriad challenges facing the Horn of Africa. As regional rivalries intensify, particularly between Somalia and Ethiopia, the leaders’ commitment to dialogue and cooperation could be crucial in establishing a more stable political environment and ensuring territorial integrity for Somalia.

Original Source: www.arabnews.com