Presidents Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi of Egypt, Isaias Afwerki of Eritrea, and Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of Somalia convened in Asmara for a Tripartite Summit focused on strengthening relations amidst regional tensions, specifically regarding Ethiopia’s agreement with Somaliland. The leaders emphasized support for Somalia’s sovereignty and discussed military cooperation, underscoring a strategic alliance that aims to address regional security challenges.
On Thursday, a significant Tripartite Summit convened in Asmara, Eritrea, where Presidents Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi of Egypt, Isaias Afwerki of Eritrea, and Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of Somalia gathered to enhance diplomatic relations and address pressing regional security challenges. Hosted by President Afwerki, the summit marks the inception of a challenging yet strategic alliance among the three nations. Egypt was represented by key figures including Abbas Kamel, the head of the General Intelligence Service, and Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty. The backdrop of this meeting is characterized by escalating tensions between Somalia and Ethiopia, primarily due to Ethiopia’s controversial maritime agreement with Somaliland, a self-declared autonomous region of Somalia. This agreement has raised eyebrows among international stakeholders, particularly the African Union (AU), which is currently operating a mission in Somalia (AUSSOM). In retaliation to the agreement, Somalia is poised to finalize the details for its upcoming mission under AU guidance, amidst firm statements from its national security advisor, Hussein Moalim. He articulated that Somalia would exclude Ethiopian forces from the upcoming mission unless Ethiopia resolves its contentious agreement with Somaliland, viewing it as a blatant infringement on its sovereignty and territorial integrity. “Somalia would not consider Ethiopian troops to be part of the new mission unless it withdraws from the illegal memorandum of understanding signed with [Somalia’s breakaway region of] Somaliland earlier this year,” stated Mr. Moalim in an interview with VOA Somali. The implications of this agreement extend beyond mere diplomatic tensions; they have precipitated significant diplomatic strain between Somalia and Ethiopia, prompting measures such as the expulsion of the Ethiopian ambassador from Mogadishu, alongside threats to withdraw Ethiopian military personnel stationed in various areas of Somalia. In a show of solidarity, both Egypt and Eritrea have voiced their unequivocal support for Somalia’s sovereignty. President Al-Sisi has publicly reaffirmed Egypt’s commitment to Somali unity and stability, noting that the support rendered is not merely strategic against Ethiopia’s maneuvers, but stems from a deep-seated empathy due to Somalia’s enduring instability over the past thirty years. “We don’t support Somalia because of Ethiopia. We support them because they have been in a state of instability for 30 years,” President Al-Sisi remarked during a recent ceremony. His remarks illustrate Egypt’s strategic interests in fostering stability in the region. Against this backdrop, Somalia has recently received a sizeable shipment of military aid from Egypt, a crucial development highlighting the growing bilateral defense partnership between the two nations. This latest shipment represents one of the most substantial military aids Somalia has received from its allies, reinforcing its position on the international platform. Earlier this year, Egypt and Somalia formalized their military cooperation with a defense pact and a protocol during President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s visit to Cairo, further cementing their commitment to regional stability and mutual support. Somalia’s Defense Minister Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur also emphasized this strengthening defense alliance, stating, “We know our interests and we will choose between our allies and our enemies. Thank you, Egypt.”
The Tripartite Summit held in Asmara marks a significant development in East African geopolitics, signifying a potential alliance among Egypt, Eritrea, and Somalia. The recent tensions between Somalia and Ethiopia, primarily regarding Ethiopia’s maritime agreement with Somaliland, highlight the fragile dynamics in the region. This summit comes at a critical juncture, with Somalia seeking to solidify its sovereignty amidst external pressures and the expiration of international support missions. The backing from Egypt and Eritrea not only signifies a diplomatic shift but also reflects shared interests in regional stability and security.
In conclusion, the Tripartite Summit in Asmara underscores the pivotal role of diplomatic negotiations in fostering regional alliances in East Africa. With the backdrop of rising tensions between Somalia and Ethiopia, the support from Egypt and Eritrea for Somalia’s sovereignty enhances collaborative efforts to address security concerns. The ongoing military cooperation between Somalia and Egypt signifies a deepening relationship aimed at fortifying the region against emerging threats. Overall, the summit represents a crucial step towards enhancing stability and fostering diplomatic dialogue among the participating nations.
Original Source: www.dailynewsegypt.com
