The leaders of Egypt, Eritrea, and Somalia met in Asmara to discuss regional tensions and security issues, triggered by Ethiopia’s agreement with Somaliland that Somalia deems an assault on its sovereignty. The summit aimed to bolster cooperation among the three nations amidst deteriorating relations and ongoing regional challenges.
On Thursday, leaders from Egypt, Eritrea, and Somalia convened for a three-way summit in Asmara, amidst rising tensions in the Horn of Africa. This meeting was pivotal as concerns regarding regional security intensified following Ethiopia’s recent maritime agreement with the self-declared independent region of Somaliland, which has been met with disapproval from Somalia and has further strained relations with Egypt. Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki hosted Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud for this important discussion aimed at strengthening ties amongst the three nations and addressing pressing issues of security and stability. This summit has special significance in light of Somalia’s deteriorating relations with Ethiopia, particularly as it perceives the recent agreement as a violation of its sovereignty. The memorandum allows Ethiopia to lease coastal territory from Somaliland, enabling it to establish a naval base and port—a move that Mogadishu refers to as an infringing assault on its territorial integrity. Previously, Somalia has sought closer military ties with Egypt, culminating in a significant military agreement in August that included Egypt committing to dispatch troops for a new African Union initiative combatting the Al-Shabaab militant group. President Sisi’s visit to Eritrea marked his first, while President Isaias has frequently visited Egypt, indicating a developing relationship between the two nations. The situation has been further complicated by historical animosities and recent tensions in the region. Notably, the relationship between Eritrea and Ethiopia has soured despite Eritrea’s support of Ethiopian forces in the 2020-2022 conflict against Tigrayan rebels. Analysts suggest that Eritrea is dissatisfied with the peace process between Addis Ababa and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF). Furthermore, Ethiopian Airlines has recently halted flights to Asmara due to challenging operational conditions, signaling ongoing volatility. Given Eritrea’s long-standing dictatorial rule under President Isaias, and its classification as the “North Korea of Africa,” the regional dynamics remain precarious. The leaders discussed enhancing cooperative efforts to maintain Somalia’s sovereignty and promote development as they grapple with historical challenges and external pressures.
The Horn of Africa is a region marked by complex relations and tensions among its nations, profoundly affecting the political landscape. The recent maritime agreement between Ethiopia and Somaliland has exacerbated an already volatile situation, leading to a re-alignment of alliances, particularly involving Somalia and Egypt. Historically, Somalia has resisted Somaliland’s independence, complicating regional diplomacy. As Ethiopia, a significant landlocked nation, gains access to the sea through Somaliland, Somalia perceives this as a challenge to its territorial claims, prompting closer ties with Egypt, a nation that shares concerns about Ethiopia’s developmental strategies regarding the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam. The backdrop of past conflicts and ongoing disputes, particularly regarding territorial integrity and national sovereignty, are central to the discussions among these leaders.
In summary, the summit in Asmara among the leaders of Egypt, Eritrea, and Somalia reflects the urgency of addressing security and diplomatic relations amidst rising tensions in the Horn of Africa. The discussions were primarily focused on fortifying alliances, particularly in light of Ethiopia’s contentious agreement with Somaliland. The meeting signifies a potential shift towards collaborative strategies to tackle regional challenges while highlighting the delicate balance of power and sovereignty among the involved nations.
Original Source: www.france24.com
