Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has visited Eritrea’s capital, Asmara, to enhance bilateral relations and discuss regional issues with President Isaias Afwerki. Accompanied by Foreign Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi, discussions are anticipated to include a trilateral dialogue with Egypt, possibly paving the way for military collaboration against Ethiopia, amid rising tensions in the Horn of Africa. Recent developments highlight a significant military partnership between Egypt and Somalia, with implications for regional stability.
The President of Somalia, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, has embarked on a visit to the Eritrean capital of Asmara to engage in discussions with his Eritrean counterpart, Isaias Afwerki. The focus of these discussions, as stated by the Somali presidency, is to enhance bilateral relations between the two nations. The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ahmed Moalim Fiqi, accompanies President Mohamud, emphasizing the intention to address regional issues impacting the Horn of Africa, particularly in enhancing cooperation regarding security and stability. Reports from the Somali news outlet, “Garowe Online”, indicate that President Mohamud is expected to engage in a trilateral dialogue with Egypt during his visit, which could lead to a military alliance involving the three countries in opposition to Ethiopia, potentially escalating tensions within the region. The recent UN General Assembly witnessed a prior meeting among the foreign ministers of Egypt, Somalia, and Eritrea, where they reaffirmed their commitment to collective stability and respect for Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. The Egyptian Foreign Ministry stated that the parties highlighted the importance of continued collaboration on shared interests. Furthermore, Egypt has commenced delivering military supplies to Somalia, which constitutes the largest arms shipment since the embargo was lifted. This includes howitzers, anti-tank missiles, and heavy ammunition, solidifying Egypt’s support for Somalia amidst the ongoing diplomatic crisis with Ethiopia, as reiterated by Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty in discussions with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken. In addition, following the Egyptian-Somali military cooperation agreement, there are indications of Egypt pursuing a similar arrangement with Eritrea, which may also include measures to safeguard shipping in the Red Sea. Recent reports indicate that Egyptian officials have engaged in discussions regarding the possibility of mediating in the ongoing conflict between the Eritrean government and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF). Egypt’s political alignment with Somalia against Ethiopia has been further manifested by signing a maritime memorandum with Somaliland, which remains unrecognized by the Somali federal government. This agreement has raised regional concerns as it offers Ethiopia access to the Red Sea via the port of Berbera in exchange for recognizing Somaliland’s independence. Ethiopia appears to be bolstering its relationships with Puntland, a Somali regional state traditionally at odds with the federal governance led by President Mohamud.
The geopolitical dynamics in the Horn of Africa are characterized by historical tensions and alliances, particularly among Somalia, Eritrea, and Ethiopia. This region has long been embroiled in disputes influenced by territorial integrity, political sovereignty, and conflicting interests among various regional players. The lifting of the arms embargo on Somalia has enabled Egypt to step up its military support for the Somali government, positioning itself as a key ally in countering Ethiopia’s influence following a maritime agreement involving Somaliland. The potential trilateral talks and military alliances among Somalia, Eritrea, and Egypt suggest a strategic pivot and a concerted effort to address shared security concerns amid escalating tensions in the region.
In summary, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s visit to Asmara represents a significant step towards strengthening bilateral relations between Somalia and Eritrea while potentially forging a military alliance with Egypt. The discussions will address pressing regional challenges and showcase a united front against Ethiopia amidst ongoing disputes. As military cooperation proliferates and diplomatic strategies unfold, the situation remains fluid, warranting close observation of further developments in the Horn of Africa.
Original Source: www.agenzianova.com
