Amid rising tensions between Somalia and Ethiopia, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of Somalia has visited Eritrea, aiming to bolster bilateral ties and discuss regional challenges. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi is also arriving to support Somalia. This comes in the wake of Ethiopia’s controversial agreement with Somaliland, prompting Somalia to strengthen its military relations with Egypt.
On Thursday, Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud embarked on a visit to Eritrea, a response dictated by escalating tensions in the Horn of Africa, particularly the fraying relations between Somalia’s capital, Mogadishu, and Ethiopia’s capital, Addis Ababa. As part of this diplomatic engagement, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, who has pledged support for Somalia in its ongoing disputes with Ethiopia, was also set to arrive in Asmara later that day, as per a statement from Sisi’s administration. President Mohamud’s journey, which commenced late Wednesday, was facilitated by an invitation from Eritrean leader Isaias Afwerki and includes a three-day schedule aimed at discussing the enhancement of bilateral relations between Somalia and Eritrea, as well as regional and global issues of shared significance. The delegation accompanying President Mohamud included Foreign Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi. The recent upheavals in the Horn of Africa have been exacerbated by Ethiopia’s signing of a contentious agreement with Somaliland that allows the latter access to the sea, an action that has incited significant anger in Somalia, which does not recognize Somaliland’s declaration of independence from 1991. In retaliation, Somalia has been reinforcing its diplomatic and military relations with Egypt, exemplified by a notable military accord established in August. Egypt’s historical tensions with Ethiopia, particularly concerning the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam on the Blue Nile—viewed by Egypt as a direct threat to its water resources—further complicate the regional dynamics. President Sisi’s imminent arrival in Asmara is aimed at fostering stronger relations with Eritrea and promoting peace and security initiatives within the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea. This strategic visit underscores the commitment to regional development and aligns with the interests of the populace involved. Despite Eritrea’s military support for Ethiopian government forces during the 2020-2022 conflict against Tigrayan insurgents, relations between Addis Ababa and Asmara have continued to degrade. Recently, Ethiopian Airlines suspended its flights to Asmara due to difficult operational circumstances. Eritrea, often referred to as the “North Korea” of Africa, has remained under the stringent rule of President Isaias since it gained independence from Ethiopia in 1993, following a lengthy thirty-year conflict.
The Horn of Africa has been a region marked by complex geopolitical dynamics, particularly surrounding the relationship between Somalia, Ethiopia, and Eritrea. While Ethiopia has sought to assert its maritime rights through agreements with breakaway regions like Somaliland, the repercussions have led Somalia to seek alliances, notably strengthening its ties with Egypt. This relationship is significant, particularly in light of historical conflicts over water resources and the control of the Nile River. Eritrea, with its authoritarian governance, plays a crucial role in the regional balance, often aligning with Ethiopia because of past conflicts, yet facing its own inner strife and international isolation.
In summary, the diplomatic visits of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi to Eritrea signify a critical moment for geopolitical alliances in the Horn of Africa. These engagements reflect underlying tensions due to Ethiopia’s recent actions concerning Somaliland, the ongoing water disputes central to regional peace, and the delicate interplay of alliances amid a backdrop of historical grievances. As these nations navigate their relationships, the potential for regional stability often hinges on cooperation amid long-standing disputes.
Original Source: newscentral.africa
