Eritrean and Somali Leaders Discuss Regional Stability Amid Ongoing Tensions
President Isaias Afwerki of Eritrea and President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of Somalia conducted discussions aimed at consolidating bilateral relations and addressing regional stability. Their dialogue highlighted the critical nature of Somalia’s stability for the Horn of Africa, the need to counter external interventions, and the ongoing collaboration in military training between the two nations. This summit follows a previous agreement signed by Egypt, Eritrea, and Somalia to enhance regional cooperation amid rising tensions with Ethiopia.
On a recent Wednesday at the State House in Asmara, President Isaias Afwerki of Eritrea and President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of Somalia engaged in comprehensive discussions aimed at strengthening bilateral ties and addressing pertinent regional and international issues. According to a statement from the Eritrean Foreign Ministry, both leaders emphasized the critical role that Somalia’s stability plays in the broader context of peace in the Horn of Africa.
The statement issued reflected their agreement that “Securing and guaranteeing Somalia’s stability is pivotal for enduring regional peace and stability.” Furthermore, the leaders addressed various topics that could facilitate this objective. This summit comes in light of an earlier trilateral meeting in October among leaders from Egypt, Eritrea, and Somalia, which aimed to address rising tensions between Somalia and Ethiopia, particularly following a controversial accord Ethiopia reached with the breakaway region of Somaliland.
During this most recent dialogue, Mohamud and Afwerki discussed ongoing diplomatic efforts to resolve tensions between Ethiopia and Somalia, including an agreement made in Ankara aimed at fostering better relations. Afwerki remarked on the necessity for regional actors to counter external influences that may aggravate conflicts, insisting that local issues should be resolved through internal mechanisms.
“President Isaias elaborated on the imperative for the region to extricate itself from external interventions that often advance agendas of incubating and fomenting conflict and chaos in the region.” In a following statement, President Mohamud expressed gratitude for Eritrea’s support in training Somalia’s national armed forces, stating, “The support of Eritrea to Somalia is vital for the stability of Somalia as well as the Horn of Africa region.”
The dialogue reaffirmed the commitments made during the October Tripartite Summit between Eritrea, Somalia, and Egypt, focusing on enhancing cooperative efforts to promote stability across the region. Notably, Egypt’s pledge to contribute troops to the African Union’s peacekeeping mission in Somalia underscores the collaborative relationship developing amid ongoing regional tensions, particularly regarding Ethiopia’s ambitions for seaport access via Somaliland.
President Mohamud’s visit marks the eighth trip since his reelection in May 2022 and highlights the continued engagement between the two nations, with Eritrea having trained numerous Somali forces over the past four years. This training encompasses a range of military preparations, including specialized programs for the naval and mechanized units.
The Horn of Africa has been characterized by political instability and conflicts, particularly concerning Somalia and Ethiopia’s relationship. The region’s historical context includes territorial disputes and internal strife, prompting neighboring nations to seek collaborative approaches to foster regional stability. As such, the recent meeting between Eritrea and Somalia leaders emphasizes the importance of direct dialogue in addressing these ongoing challenges, with a focus on local solutions rather than external interference.
In conclusion, the discussions between Presidents Isaias Afwerki and Hassan Sheikh Mohamud underscore a significant commitment to enhancing stability in the Horn of Africa through strengthened collaboration and bilateral support. The leaders’ emphasis on Somalia’s role in regional peace aims to address ongoing tensions with Ethiopia while promoting internal resolutions to local conflicts. This continuing dialogue represents a crucial step toward fostering a secure and cooperative environment in a historically volatile region.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
