Eritrea, Egypt, and Somalia are forging closer ties to confront Ethiopia amidst historical tensions. The leaders met in Asmara, underscoring issues of territorial integrity and concerns over Ethiopia’s ambitions for port access. This collaboration is driven by diplomatic rifts and military exchanges, reflecting their resolve to counter perceived Ethiopian dominance in the Horn of Africa.
Recent meetings in Asmara, Eritrea, have signified a strengthening alignment among the leaders of Eritrea, Egypt, and Somalia, all of whom share a history of contentious relations with Ethiopia. The summit concluded with an Eritrean statement that emphasized the importance of respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the nations in the region, implicitly pointing towards Ethiopia’s aspirations for access to a sea port. Somalia’s recent diplomatic issues have led it closer to Egypt and Eritrea, both of which harbor long-standing disagreements with Ethiopia. Hassan Khannenje, director of the Horn International Institute for Strategic Studies, articulated this development, remarking, “This is an axis against [Ethiopian capital] Addis Ababa. I think it’s an attempt to bring the hate together in trying to increase pressure against Addis Ababa.” In a statement released following the meeting, it was noted that the leaders agreed to support Somali state institutions to tackle various internal challenges, particularly in combatting terrorism. Significantly, the Egyptian President, Abdul Fattah al-Sisi, made his inaugural visit to Asmara, while Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has visited three times this year. Ethiopia’s relationship with Somalia has been complicated by Somalia’s displeasure over Ethiopia’s preliminary agreement to lease part of the Somaliland coastline, which Somalia claims as its own territory. Furthermore, Ethiopia and Egypt have been locked in a protracted dispute over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, which Egypt views as a potential threat to its primary water source, the River Nile. Recent military cooperation between Egypt and Somalia, evidenced by the shipment of military supplies, indicates a deepening bond. These developments come on the heels of Ethiopia’s historic peace accord with Eritrea signed in 2018, which had initially improved bilateral ties. However, relations have soured following the protracted civil conflict in Ethiopia’s Tigray region and ambitions by Ethiopia to access a port on the Red Sea.
The present geopolitical landscape in the Horn of Africa is shaped by a combination of historical animosities and recent diplomatic maneuvers. Eritrea, Egypt, and Somalia have been progressively aligning against Ethiopia, highlighting their mutual concerns regarding territorial integrity and political autonomy. This collaboration emerges from Somalia’s discontent with Ethiopia’s dealings with Somaliland, which it views as illegitimate. Furthermore, Egypt’s apprehension regarding Ethiopia’s Nile dam project emphasizes the tensions surrounding water rights in an arid region. The relations among these nations have been historically tumultuous, with Eritrea and Ethiopia’s previous conflicts casting a long shadow over their interactions. This backdrop is critical to understanding the recent summit’s implications.
The recent summit of Eritrean, Egyptian, and Somali leaders signifies a notable shift towards a more pronounced alignment against Ethiopia, propelled by historical grievances and contemporary disputes. The implications of this strategic partnership raise concerns of escalating tensions that may threaten regional stability. As these nations continue to navigate their complex relationships with one another, the overarching theme remains a pursuit of sovereignty and security amid a backdrop of conflict and competition for resources.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
