Geopolitical Dynamics in the Horn of Africa: Egypt and Somalia…

Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah El Sisi and Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud visited Eritrea’s capital for talks aimed at enhancing bilateral relations and addressing regional security amid tensions with Ethiopia. The talks come in light of escalating conflicts in the Horn of Africa and Egypt’s defense pact with Somalia, which has introduced new dynamics to the regional landscape.

The President of Egypt, Abdel Fattah El Sisi, visited Asmara, the capital of Eritrea, for crucial discussions with Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki, as confirmed by the Egyptian presidency. This meeting, which came at the invitation of Mr. Afwerki, aimed to enhance bilateral relations across various sectors and address the current situation in the Horn of Africa in efforts to foster stability and security in the region. Simultaneously, Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud arrived in Asmara leading a delegation that included Foreign Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi. Their visit coincided with escalating turmoil in the Horn of Africa, fueled by ongoing conflicts which have significantly altered regional dynamics. The relations between Egypt and Ethiopia have become increasingly strained due to Ethiopia’s construction of a large dam on the Blue Nile River, a contentious issue exacerbated by a defense pact signed on August 14 between Egypt and Somalia. This agreement has enabled Cairo to deliver two arms shipments to Mogadishu, signaling a more robust military collaboration. In addition, Egypt has engaged in talks with Eritrea to explore the potential for enhanced military and intelligence cooperation, as noted by former Egyptian assistant foreign minister Rakha Ahmed Hassan. Furthermore, the relationship between Somalia and Ethiopia has soured following the signing of a memorandum of understanding in January between Addis Ababa and Somaliland’s government, a region of Somalia pursuing separatist ambitions. This agreement has led to tensions, pushing Somalia closer to Egypt. Somalia’s National Security Adviser, Hussein Sheikh Ali, issued a warning in June that Ethiopian troops would be expelled from Somalia after the expiration of an African Union peacekeeping mission, emphasizing the precarious nature of security in the region. Egypt’s decision to contribute troops to this peacekeeping mission is indicative of the strengthening ties between Egypt and Somalia since the current administration’s ascension in 2022, further aiming to bolster Egypt’s stance in the face of Ethiopian regional influence. Historically, Egypt and Eritrea have maintained robust diplomatic relations since Eritrea’s independence from Ethiopia in 1993, with Egypt playing a crucial role in mitigating tensions during the 1998 Ethiopia-Eritrea border conflict. Since then, both nations have cooperated on regional security matters and maintained substantial trade networks, which both leaders are likely to reaffirm during this diplomatic engagement.

The Horn of Africa is currently facing significant turmoil, marked by various conflicts and evolving geopolitical dynamics that have led to increased tensions among neighboring countries. The relationship between Ethiopia, Egypt, and Somalia is particularly strained due to Ethiopia’s controversial construction of a dam that affects the Nile waters, a critical resource for Egypt. In response to these developments, Egypt has sought to fortify its alliances in the region by establishing agreements with Somalia and engaging with Eritrea, both of which have historical grievances against Ethiopia. These strategic moves signal Egypt’s intent to assert its influence and safeguard its national interests amidst a backdrop of potential instability in the Horn of Africa.

In summary, the visit of President El Sisi to Eritrea, alongside the delegation from Somalia, highlights the deepening cooperative relationships between these nations in the context of regional challenges posed by Ethiopia. As tensions continue to rise, particularly concerning resource management and military alignments, these diplomatic efforts represent a concerted approach to ensuring peace and stability in a volatile region. The historical backdrop of Eritrea-Ethiopia relations and the evolving dynamics with Somalia underscore the complexities faced by these nations in navigating their strategic interests.

Original Source: www.thenationalnews.com