Egypt is enhancing its presence in the Horn of Africa by forming alliances with Somalia and Eritrea, marked by a recent summit in Asmara. This strategic move aims to counter Ethiopia’s influence while Egypt engages militarily in Sudan. The summit reflects Egypt’s commitment to regional security and its proactive approach to protecting its national interests, amidst growing tensions with Ethiopia.
Egypt is proactively enhancing its influence in the Horn of Africa by solidifying alliances with Eritrea and Somalia. President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi engaged in a tripartite summit in Asmara with Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. While the primary goal of the summit was to bolster cooperation among the three nations, it is perceived as a strategic move to counterbalance Ethiopia’s influence in the region. This summit followed accusations by rapid support commander Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo of Sudan, who claimed that Egyptian forces had targeted his troops, indicating Egypt’s active military involvement in the Sudanese conflict. Egypt seems to be shifting from a neutral stance towards a more interventionist role, reasserting its position as a critical player safeguarding its national interests. The Eritrean Ministry’s announcement of the meeting highlighted its focus on enhancing relations and addressing regional security concerns. However, the underlying agenda is believed to address Ethiopia’s growing dominance, particularly as Ethiopia has established a memorandum of understanding with Somaliland that grants access to a key port and naval base in the southern Red Sea. This move has prompted Egypt to strengthen military ties with Somalia in response. Al-Sisi’s administration emphasized its intent to deepen bilateral relations across various sectors to foster stability and development in the region. Conversely, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has expressed strong opposition to Egypt’s increasing regional assertiveness, asserting, “We will not allow them to harm us, we will humiliate anyone who dares to threaten us to deter them,” while also advocating for Ethiopia’s sovereignty. In addition to its regional maneuvers, Egypt is entangled in Sudan’s internal conflict, aligning with General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan while simultaneously engaging in international diplomatic efforts. Despite allegations from the Rapid Support Forces regarding Egypt’s military support using US-armament in Sudan, Cairo has denied these claims, stating its commitment to Sudan’s stability. Former Deputy Foreign Minister Hussein Haridi affirmed, “Egypt has been working since the first day of the war in Sudan to end it. Proof of this is that it welcomed Sudan’s neighbouring countries in search of political solutions because if the conflict continues, Egypt will pay a heavy price.” Sudanese political analyst Mohamed Torshin commented on Egypt’s stance against non-state armed groups, noting, “Egypt opposes any group that possesses weapons outside the framework of the official institutions of states, as it is aware that this has repercussions on its security.” This illustrates the complexity of Egypt’s security concerns within a volatile regional landscape.
The Horn of Africa, a region of pivotal geopolitical interest, has become the center of diplomatic and military activities involving Egypt, Somalia, and Eritrea. The recent summit held in Asmara marks a significant development in Egypt’s foreign policy as it seeks to strengthen its alliances in response to the growing influence of Ethiopia. Tensions in this region have intensified due to Ethiopia’s strategic military partnerships, particularly concerning access to vital maritime routes. The increasing involvement of Egypt in regional conflicts, particularly its allegations of military engagement in Sudan, reflects its broader strategy to maintain stability and enhance its influence amid shifting power dynamics.
In summary, Egypt is strategically reinforcing its presence in the Horn of Africa through alliances with Somalia and Eritrea, a maneuver reflecting its determination to counter Ethiopian influence. The recent summit in Asmara underscores Egypt’s commitment to enhancing regional security and stability while navigating complex diplomatic landscapes involving military engagements in Sudan. The tensions between Egypt and Ethiopia are poised to escalate as both nations assert their sovereignty and influence in this strategically critical region.
Original Source: www.atalayar.com