Egypt, Eritrea, and Somalia Convene Amid Rising Tensions in the Horn of Africa
Leaders from Egypt, Eritrea, and Somalia met in Asmara to address rising tensions in the Horn of Africa. Concerns have surged following Ethiopia’s controversial agreement with Somaliland, granting it access to the sea, which has implications for regional security. International experts indicate that Ethiopia’s actions are a significant focus for the meeting.
On Thursday, leaders from Egypt, Eritrea, and Somalia convened for a trilateral summit in Asmara, in response to escalating tensions in the Horn of Africa. Reports from the French News Agency (AFP) indicate that concerns regarding security and stability in this unstable region have intensified, particularly following Ethiopia’s controversial agreement in January with the separatist Somali region of Somaliland, which afforded it highly sought access to the ocean. Edgar Githua, an International Security and Diplomatic Expert at the US International University in Nairobi, Kenya, conveyed to VOA’s Douglas Mpuga that the primary concern uniting these leaders is the situation in Ethiopia.
The Horn of Africa, comprising countries such as Somalia, Eritrea, and Ethiopia, has long been a region marked by conflict and instability. Recently, Ethiopia’s dealings with Somaliland—an autonomous region that seeks independence—have raised alarms among neighboring countries. The accord has implications for maritime access and regional power dynamics, thereby prompting Egypt and Eritrea, both of whom have vested interests in maintaining stability, to collaborate with Somalia in addressing the potential threats posed by Ethiopia’s actions. This summoning of leaders reflects a larger strategy to bolster diplomatic ties and security cooperation in the region.
The trilateral summit in Asmara illustrates the urgent need for collaboration among Egypt, Eritrea, and Somalia in the face of rising tensions primarily stemming from Ethiopia’s recent geopolitical maneuvers involving Somaliland. As these leaders navigate complex security concerns, their discussions may shape the future trajectory of stability in the Horn of Africa, underscoring the importance of regional unity in addressing shared challenges.
Original Source: www.voaafrica.com
