Tripartite Summit in Asmara: Leaders of Egypt, Eritrea, and Somalia Forge New Alliance
The Presidents of Egypt, Eritrea, and Somalia convened at a Tripartite Summit in Asmara to strengthen their alliance and discuss regional security issues. The meeting comes amid escalating tensions between Somalia and Ethiopia over an alleged illegal maritime agreement with Somaliland. Somalia irrefutably rejects Ethiopian troop involvement unless the agreement is rescinded. Egypt reaffirms its support for Somalia amid the evolving geopolitical landscape.
On Thursday, Presidents Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi of Egypt, Isaias Afwerki of Eritrea, and Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of Somalia convened in Asmara for a significant Tripartite Summit. This meeting aims to enhance bilateral relations among the three nations while addressing pressing regional security issues. Hosted by President Afwerki, the summit signifies a burgeoning alliance between Egypt, Eritrea, and Somalia, particularly in light of increasing tensions between Somalia and Ethiopia. These tensions stem from an alleged illegal maritime accord between Ethiopia and Somaliland, a self-declared independent region of Somalia. Both the African Union (AU) and international observers have expressed concern regarding this agreement. In response to the expiration of the current AU Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), Somalia is deliberating on the configuration of its future mission. Hussein Moalim, the national security advisor for Somalia, underscored Somalia’s stance that it will not accept Ethiopian troop participation in the new mission unless Ethiopia renounces the agreement with Somaliland. He emphasized, “Somalia would not consider Ethiopian troops to be part of the new mission unless it withdraws from the illegal memorandum of understanding signed with [Somalia’s breakaway region of] Somaliland earlier this year.” The Somali government perceives this memorandum, enacted in January, as an infringement on its sovereignty and territorial integrity, allowing Ethiopia access to a stretch of the Red Sea coastline in return for possible recognition of Somaliland’s independence. This development has exacerbated diplomatic tensions, leading to the expulsion of the Ethiopian ambassador from Somalia and the potential withdrawal of Ethiopian troops stationed in various regions of the country. In this context, both Egypt and Eritrea have expressed support for Somalia’s sovereignty and contested the agreement with Ethiopia. President Al-Sisi has affirmed Egypt’s commitment to Somalia’s unity, stating, “We do not support Somalia because of Ethiopia. We support them because they have been in a state of instability for 30 years.” He has emphasized the importance of stabilizing Somalia, particularly given its long history of turmoil. Furthermore, recent military aid from Egypt, including a substantial cargo shipment, underscores the strengthening ties between Egypt and Somalia. Somalia’s Defence Minister Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur reiterated the bilateral relationship’s significance, stating, “We know our interests and we will choose between our allies and our enemies. Thank you, Egypt.” With the signing of a defense pact and military cooperation protocol between Egypt and Somalia in August, the two nations are visibly solidifying their alliance and commitment to regional security.
The Tripartite Summit in Asmara, involving Egypt, Eritrea, and Somalia, is a pivotal gathering that reflects the shifting dynamics in the Horn of Africa. It occurs against a backdrop of growing tensions between Somalia and Ethiopia due to Ethiopia’s controversial maritime agreement with Somaliland. This agreement raises questions about territorial sovereignty and stability within the region, prompting the need for a united front among neighboring countries. Additionally, the support from Egypt to Somalia highlights Egypt’s role as a significant ally, particularly in military assistance and the broader implications for regional security.
The Tripartite Summit signifies a crucial step towards reinforcing regional alliances in the Horn of Africa, particularly between Egypt, Eritrea, and Somalia. The leaders’ commitment to addressing shared security concerns, alongside Somalia’s rejection of Ethiopian military presence under current conditions, underscores the complexities underpinning regional relations. As Egypt continues to offer military support to Somalia, this alliance may serve as a foundational pillar for future stability in the region.
Original Source: www.dailynewsegypt.com
