Leaders from Eritrea, Egypt, and Somalia have solidified an alliance against Ethiopia during a summit in Asmara, emphasizing mutual respect for sovereignty and increasing cooperation in military and institutional support. The meeting is rooted in historical tensions over territorial disputes and Ethiopia’s development initiatives that threaten regional water resources. The evolving diplomatic landscape poses potential risks for conflict as these nations confront shared adversities.
In the capital of Eritrea, Asmara, leaders from Eritrea, Egypt, and Somalia convened to strengthen their diplomatic ties against Ethiopia, a nation with which they share complex and strained relations. An official statement released post-summit underscored the importance of respecting sovereignty and territorial integrity among regional nations, an implicit reference to Ethiopia’s aspirations for maritime access without naming the country directly. This diplomatic gathering was catalyzed by escalating tensions following conflicts over Somalia’s territorial integrity and Ethiopia’s ambitions regarding the self-proclaimed state of Somaliland. The summit saw Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki in a gesture of solidarity with Egyptian President Abdul Fattah al-Sisi and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. They collectively acknowledged the necessity of strengthening Somali institutions to face both internal and external adversities and enhance the Somali National Federal Army’s capabilities against terrorism. Ethiopia has historically supported Somalia in its armed struggle against al-Shabab but has faced growing resentment over its recent dealings with Somaliland. Concurrently, Ethiopia’s relationship with Cairo remains fraught due to disagreements surrounding Ethiopia’s extensive hydroelectric dam project on the Nile River, which Egypt fears could disrupt its vital water supply. Moreover, reports indicate heightened military exchanges, including an Egyptian ship delivering arms to Somalia and military planes landing in Mogadishu. Past hopes for reconciliation were dampened following renewed hostilities after the civil war in Ethiopia’s Tigray region, following an earlier peace accord signed by Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed with Eritrea. The deteriorating relationships in the region raise concerns about potential conflict as Ethiopia expresses interest in securing access to the Red Sea.
The geopolitical landscape surrounding the Horn of Africa is characterized by a network of complex diplomatic relationships, marked by historical enmity and territorial disputes, especially involving Ethiopia, Egypt, Somalia, and Eritrea. Following a long-standing border conflict, the relationship between Ethiopia and Eritrea appeared to improve with a peace agreement in 2018; however, recent tensions linked to Ethiopia’s internal conflicts and its ambitions for maritime access have reignited historic frictions. Additionally, Egypt’s apprehensions regarding the implications of Ethiopia’s dam on their water resources further complicate regional dynamics, leading to alliances formed in opposition to Ethiopia, as evidenced by the recent summit of Eritrean, Egyptian, and Somali leaders in Asmara.
The summit among Eritrea, Egypt, and Somalia in Asmara represents a significant pivot in regional alliances against Ethiopia, emphasizing a united front amidst long-standing territorial and diplomatic disputes. The implications of these developments are profound, as the leaders’ commitment to reinforce Somali state institutions and confront perceived threats could escalate tensions in an already volatile region. The historical context of the relationship dynamics highlights the fragility of peace in the Horn of Africa, where any misstep could have far-reaching consequences for regional stability.
Original Source: www.bbc.co.uk
