Djibouti is expressing concerns about the strengthening relationship between Somalia and Eritrea, particularly following a meeting between Presidents Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Ismaïl Omar Guelleh. Djibouti fears that Somalia’s ties with Eritrea under President Afwerki may undermine its regional influence, especially after a summit hosted in Eritrea rather than Somalia.
Djibouti has raised significant concerns regarding the growing relationship between Somalia and Eritrea, particularly following a meeting between Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Djibouti’s President Ismaïl Omar Guelleh. Sources indicate that Djibouti has lodged a formal complaint with President Mohamud concerning his recent diplomatic advancements with Eritrea, led by President Isaias Afwerki. President Guelleh has expressed his apprehension over Afwerki’s rising influence in Somalia, emphasizing the implications of the recent tripartite summit held in Eritrea, which involved Somalia, Egypt, and Eritrea. President Guelleh questioned the decision to host such a meeting in Asmara instead of Mogadishu. The geopolitical tension between Djibouti and Eritrea, rooted in longstanding territorial disputes, intensifies with Somalia’s shifting foreign policy under President Hassan Sheikh. Djibouti is reportedly apprehensive that Somalia’s newfound rapport with Eritrea may jeopardize its own stature within the Horn of Africa region. Moreover, the evolving dynamics not only strain the relationship between Djibouti and Somalia but also create ripples in the region, particularly affecting ties with neighboring Ethiopia.
Djibouti’s relationship with Eritrea has historically been marked by tensions, primarily stemming from territorial disagreements. As Somalia seeks to redefine its foreign relations under the leadership of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, the implications of its collaboration with Eritrea raise alarms in Djibouti, a country that has traditionally perceived itself as a stabilizing force in the region. The increased diplomatic ties between Somalia and Eritrea present a challenge to Djibouti, as it fears that enhanced cooperation with Eritrea may diminish its influence and undermine regional stability.
In summary, Djibouti’s concerns regarding the burgeoning relationship between Somalia and Eritrea reflect longstanding regional rivalries and the complexities of Horn of Africa politics. The formal complaint lodged by Djibouti underscores the suspicion and apprehension surrounding President Hassan Sheikh’s foreign policy decisions, specifically regarding Eritrea, which may not only affect bilateral relations but could also lead to broader regional instability.
Original Source: www.garoweonline.com
