On October 10, 2024, leaders from Egypt, Somalia, and Eritrea convened in Asmara amid rising tensions in the Horn of Africa. This meeting focused on regional security and strengthening diplomatic ties, particularly in response to a controversial maritime agreement between Ethiopia and Somaliland that has alarmed Somalia. The summit highlights the increasing collaboration between Somalia and Egypt against Ethiopia amid ongoing regional disputes.
On October 10, 2024, the leaders of Egypt, Somalia, and Eritrea convened a three-way summit in Asmara, amidst escalating 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, focusing on enhancing diplomatic ties and addressing regional security issues. This summit reflects mounting worries regarding stability in the area, particularly following a controversial maritime agreement signed between Ethiopia and the breakaway region of Somaliland in January, which has aggravated relations with Somalia. The accord has angered Mogadishu, as it considers it a violation of its sovereignty and territorial integrity, leading Somalia to strengthen its partnership with Egypt, which has historically been at odds with Ethiopia concerning the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam on the Blue Nile. During this summit, the leaders emphasized the need for cooperative efforts to maintain Somalia’s sovereignty and integrity in the face of significant challenges it has encountered over the past twenty years. In parallel, El-Sisi’s office stated that his visit would prioritize fostering relations with Eritrea while addressing security and stability in the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea, which is vital for regional development. Although Eritrea supported Ethiopian government forces during the earlier Tigray conflict, relationships between Ethiopia and Eritrea have soured recently. The summit, therefore, not only serves as a platform for Egypt and Somalia to consolidate their alliance against Ethiopia but also as an attempt for Eritrea and its leaders to navigate complex regional alliances and tensions.
The Horn of Africa is a region marked by persistent strife and geopolitical rivalries, exacerbated by issues related to territorial integrity and resource management. The recently signed agreement between Ethiopia and Somaliland has intensified conflicts, particularly with Somalia, which has consistently rejected Somaliland’s claims of independence. Additionally, Egypt’s longstanding apprehension regarding Ethiopia’s control over the Nile waters due to the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam has led to increased bilateral military cooperation between Egypt and Somalia. This summit represents a significant moment in the evolving dynamics of regional security and diplomatic relations in the Horn of Africa.
The summit among the leaders of Egypt, Somalia, and Eritrea underscores the pressing need for regional cooperation in light of encroaching tensions initiated by Ethiopia’s controversial agreement with Somaliland. The focus on security and diplomatic ties among these nations highlights the strategic moves being made to maintain sovereignty and foster stability in the region, which remains fraught with challenges. The outcomes of this meeting may have lasting implications for the geopolitical landscape of the Horn of Africa.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
