Eritrea, Egypt, and Somalia Forge Alliance Against Ethiopia
Leaders from Eritrea, Egypt, and Somalia have strengthened their alliance against Ethiopia during a summit in Asmara. The discussions highlighted territorial integrity, with implicit references to Ethiopia’s maritime ambitions. Growing tensions could lead to conflict as Somalia seeks closer ties with Egypt and Eritrea due to recent diplomatic disagreements with Ethiopia. The meeting underscores a shift in regional dynamics, reflecting longstanding rivalries and military cooperation among these nations.
Leaders from Egypt, Somalia, and Eritrea have convened in Asmara, Eritrea, to solidify their collaboration against Ethiopia, a nation with which they all share complicated relationships. During the summit, Eritrea’s official statement underscored the importance of respecting national sovereignty and territorial integrity, implicitly alluding to Ethiopia’s pursuit of access to a seaport, although Ethiopia was not named directly. Recent diplomatic tensions have prompted Somalia to strengthen its alliance with Egypt and Eritrea due to longstanding disputes with Ethiopia. Experts express concerns that these growing tensions could escalate into conflict. “This is an axis against [Ethiopian capital] Addis Ababa. I think it is an attempt to bring the hate together in trying to increase pressure against Addis Ababa,” stated Hassan Khannenje, director of the Horn International Institute for Strategic Studies, in an interview with the BBC. Following the meeting, a photograph was released showcasing President Isaias Afwerki of Eritrea together with his Egyptian counterpart, Abdul Fattah al-Sisi, and Somalian President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. The three leaders expressed their commitment to strengthening Somalia’s institutions to tackle various challenges and enhance the capacity of the Somali National Federal Army against terrorism. President al-Sisi’s visit marks his first to Asmara since he took office, whereas the Somali President has visited three times this year. Historically, Ethiopia has been an ally to Somalia against Al-Shabaab, an affiliate of al-Qaeda, but Somalia has recently expressed its displeasure with Ethiopia’s preliminary agreement to lease a coastal section to Somaliland, which Somalia claims as its own territory. Additionally, tensions between Ethiopia and Egypt extend over more than a decade regarding the construction of a massive hydroelectric dam by Ethiopia on the Nile River, which Egypt fears may jeopardize its water supply. Recently, military cooperation appears to be increasing between Egypt and Somalia, as evidenced by an Egyptian ship delivering military equipment to Somalia and prior deliveries of arms via military flights to Mogadishu. The relationship between Ethiopia and Eritrea had shown signs of improvement following a peace agreement signed in 2018 by Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, which earned him the Nobel Peace Prize. However, relations have once again soured following the conclusion of Ethiopia’s civil war in the Tigray region, with Eritrea increasingly skeptical of the peace accord reached in November 2022 and the subsequent Ethiopian assertions regarding a desire for Red Sea access.
The ongoing geopolitical dynamics in the Horn of Africa are characterized by a complex web of alliances and rivalries, particularly involving Ethiopia, Egypt, Eritrea, and Somalia. Historically, the region has seen tensions arise from territorial disputes, concerns over water rights, and internal conflicts. The summit between the leaders of Eritrea, Egypt, and Somalia signifies a coordinated effort against Ethiopia, driven by historical grievances and strategic interests. Ethiopia’s aspirations for greater maritime access and its military engagements in Somalia further complicate this regional interplay, contributing to a cycle of mistrust and potential conflict.
The meeting of Egypt, Somalia, and Eritrea represents a strategic formation aimed at countering Ethiopia, amidst longstanding disputes and rising tensions. The alliance indicates a shift in regional power dynamics, where verbal commitments to confront challenges illustrate growing military cooperation against a backdrop of territorial and sovereignty issues. As the situation evolves, the potential for conflict remains a pressing concern for the Horn of Africa.
Original Source: www.bbc.co.uk
