Egypt has joined forces with Eritrea and Somalia to create a security alliance aimed at countering Ethiopia’s influence and military presence in the Horn of Africa. Their collaboration centers on strengthening Somali military institutions and addressing terrorism, while rising tensions related to Ethiopia’s dam projects add complexity to the geopolitical landscape.
An alarming development is taking place in the Horn of Africa where a coalition composed of Egypt, Eritrea, and Somalia is forming to counter what these nations perceive as aggressive regional actions by Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. Following a recent meeting in Asmara, where Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud met with Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki, the trio announced a strategic security partnership aimed at bolstering Somalia’s capabilities against both internal and external threats and enhancing the force of the Somali National Federal Army against terrorism.
This alliance emerges amidst a backdrop of long-standing tensions in the region, primarily concerning Ethiopia’s controversial mega-dam on the Nile, which Egypt claims threatens its water supply. The partnership also includes discussions about leveraging Somalia’s military power against the militant group al-Shabab, as well as Egypt’s recent arms transfers to Somalia to replace Ethiopian troops operating under the African Union’s mission.
The formation of this anti-Ethiopia alliance poses significant risks for regional stability, especially considering the potential resurgence of hostilities reminiscent of previous conflicts. Critics warn that further military alignments could intensify challenges faced by Somalia and lead to additional proxy violence, destabilizing the fragile balance of power in the area.
Original Source: foreignpolicy.com
