Somalia, Eritrea, and Egypt Strengthen Security Cooperation in…

The presidents of Somalia, Eritrea, and Egypt have convened in Asmara to strengthen security cooperation amidst rising tensions in the Horn of Africa, particularly focusing on combating terrorism and ensuring regional stability while highlighting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of their nations.

The leaders of Somalia, Eritrea, and Egypt convened a summit in Asmara to enhance security collaborations aimed at fostering regional stability amidst escalating tensions in the Horn of Africa. This strategic meeting was initiated by Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki and was attended by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. In a joint statement released by Eritrea’s information ministry, the leaders expressed their commitment to strengthen ties, ensure regional stability, and uphold the sovereignty and territorial integrity of their nations. The leaders underscored the significance of jointly addressing external interference in the region’s internal affairs under any justification. They emphasized coordinated efforts aimed at fostering a secure environment conducive to collaborative and sustainable development. With respect to the ongoing conflict in Somalia, where government forces are combating the al-Shabab insurgency, the leaders agreed to enhance their cooperative stance against terrorism and reaffirmed their commitment to safeguarding their land and maritime borders. This security pact could evoke concerns in Ethiopia, which currently maintains a substantial military presence in Somalia to tackle al-Qaeda-linked groups while experiencing deteriorating relations with Mogadishu due to controversial port development initiatives in the unrecognized Somaliland region. Following Ethiopia’s quest to develop the region, Somalia entered into a significant military arrangement with Egypt, which included the arrangements for Egyptian troops to participate in a new African Union initiative against al-Shabab. Moreover, Ethiopia’s ongoing dispute with Egypt regarding the construction of a hydropower dam on the Nile exacerbates tensions in the region. Despite historical disagreements, Eritrea and Ethiopia, having collaborated during conflicts, have experienced friction over Eritrea’s exclusion from peace negotiations involving the Tigray People’s Liberation Front, currently active in parts of Tigray. However, Ethiopian diplomatic officials assert that relations with Eritrea are peaceful and characterized by camaraderie and cooperative neighborliness.

The recent summit in Asmara among the presidents of Somalia, Eritrea, and Egypt is set against a backdrop of increasing instability in the Horn of Africa, fueled primarily by terrorism and regional disputes. Somalia is currently embroiled in a struggle against the al-Shabab militant group, while Eritrea and Ethiopia have a complex relationship shaped by recent conflicts and their engagement in the Tigrayan conflict. Historical tensions related to water rights and infrastructure projects, particularly the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, continue to add layers of complexity to relations within the region. This summit aims to address these multifaceted issues by fostering a cohesive security framework among the three nations, seeking to stabilize the region and counteract terrorism effectively.

In conclusion, the trilateral summit involving Somalia, Eritrea, and Egypt represents a significant step towards enhancing security cooperation in the Horn of Africa. By committing to confront terrorism and uphold territorial sovereignty, the leaders seek to navigate the complexities of inter-state relations amid existing regional tensions. As these nations fortify their security ties, the potential implications for neighboring Ethiopia and the broader geopolitical landscape will require careful monitoring.

Original Source: www.aljazeera.com