In a landmark summit in Asmara, Egypt, Eritrea, and Somalia agreed to work together on regional security issues amid increasing tensions in the Horn of Africa. The leaders emphasized sovereignty and coordination in combatting interference in their internal affairs, discussing strategies to support Somalia against terrorism and establish a tripartite foreign ministers’ committee. Ethiopia is notably excluded from this emerging alliance, highlighting shifting regional dynamics following a controversial maritime agreement with Somaliland.
The recent summit involving the leaders of Egypt, Eritrea, and Somalia took place in Asmara, where they collectively pledged to enhance cooperation on regional security within the tumultuous Horn of Africa. This unprecedented gathering coincided with growing concerns regarding the instability in the region, particularly stemming from ongoing conflicts in Sudan, a contentious maritime agreement between Ethiopia and the separatist Somali region of Somaliland, and increasing attacks on maritime vessels by Houthi rebels in the Red Sea. The summit, convened by Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki and attended by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, underscored a significant shift towards a new regional alliance, notably excluding Ethiopia, which has experienced deteriorating relations with Somalia following the Somaliland agreement. During the summit, the leaders articulated their commitment to strengthen trilateral relations in pursuit of improved regional stability. They explicitly called for “unequivocal respect for the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of the countries of the region,” while refraining from mentioning specific nations. Moreover, the leaders acknowledged the necessity of addressing foreign interference in their domestic affairs and pledged to coordinate efforts aimed at achieving peace and fostering sustainable development. Focusing on Somalia specifically, the trio agreed to pursue deeper collaboration to assist Somalia in facing its internal and external challenges, enabling the Somali National Federal Army to counter terrorism and safeguard its territorial integrity. Discussions also encompassed the crises in Sudan and the Red Sea region, culminating in the establishment of a tripartite committee among their foreign ministers to further strategic cooperation across various sectors. This summit marked President Sisi’s inaugural visit to Eritrea, reportedly the first by an Egyptian head of state since Hosni Mubarak’s visit in the early 1990s, thereby reinforcing the diplomatic ties between Cairo and Asmara. In contrast, President Mohamud has maintained a more frequent dialogue with Eritrea, a nation often characterized as one of the most isolated states globally. Underlying these developments are significant regional tensions, particularly due to a January memorandum that allowed Ethiopia to lease a coastal area from Somaliland for a naval base, which Somalia vehemently contested as an infringement on its sovereignty. In retaliation, Somalia formalized a military partnership with Egypt, which included the pledge of Egyptian troops as part of an African Union mission aimed at combating the Al-Shabaab terrorist organization. Eritrea’s relations with Ethiopia have also soured, particularly in light of continued tensions following the peace agreement between Ethiopia and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF). Observers note that Eritrea’s dissatisfaction may stem from the ongoing presence of Eritrean troops in Tigray, despite Ethiopian Airlines recently announcing the suspension of flights to Asmara due to operational difficulties. The Ethiopian foreign ministry, however, characterized relations between Ethiopia and Eritrea as “peaceful,” emphasizing their commitment to neighborly relations. Eritrea gained independence from Ethiopia in 1993 following a prolonged war and has since been under the stringent rule of Isaias Afwerki. Despite an earlier peace accord that earned Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed a Nobel Prize, the dynamics between these nations continue to be fraught with challenges that require careful diplomatic navigation.
The Horn of Africa, encompassing nations such as Egypt, Eritrea, Somalia, and Ethiopia, has historically been a region marked by instability due to internal conflicts and geopolitical rivalries. Recent crises, particularly the ongoing war in Sudan and maritime tensions in the Red Sea, have heightened the need for cooperation among neighboring countries. Eritrea, which gained independence from Ethiopia in 1993, has been characterized by a repressive regime and strained relations with its neighbors, notably Ethiopia. Meanwhile, Somalia remains mired in internal strife, exacerbated by militant threats, particularly from Al-Shabaab. The formation of alliances, such as that seen in the latest summit, reflects efforts by these nations to bolster collective security amidst growing regional threats and to navigate the complex landscape of international relationships.
The summit among Egypt, Eritrea, and Somalia exemplifies a significant development in regional diplomacy, as these nations seek to enhance security cooperation in response to mounting regional challenges. By solidifying their commitment to respect sovereignty and territorial integrity while addressing foreign interference, they aim to foster stability in a context marked by conflict and rivalry, particularly vis-à-vis Ethiopia. The outcomes of this summit could pave the way for a deeper collaborative framework that addresses shared security concerns, promotes development, and ultimately contributes to a more stable Horn of Africa.
Original Source: www.modernghana.com
