Egypt, Eritrea, and Somalia Forge Alliance in Response to Ethiopian Threats
Egypt is solidifying its alliance with Eritrea and Somalia to counter rising Ethiopian influence. In a recent summit, the leaders pledged military cooperation and support for Somalia against terrorism, while Egypt commits troops to an African Union mission. This alliance is fueled by ongoing disputes over the Nile’s water rights and Ethiopia’s maritime agreements with Somaliland, potentially altering the regional power dynamics.
Cairo is reinforcing its strategic partnerships with Eritrea and Somalia, responding to perceived threats posed by Ethiopia to its regional interests. In October 2024, leaders from these three nations convened a summit in Asmara, focusing on enhancing military cooperation and promoting regional stability. They expressed solidarity in Somalia’s counterterrorism efforts, with Egypt committing to send troops as part of the African Union mission—an action interpreted as a countermeasure against Ethiopia’s expanding influence in the Horn of Africa.
The alliance’s formation is influenced by Egypt’s long-standing tension with Ethiopia over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), which Egypt considers a significant threat to its water security. Moreover, Ethiopia’s agreement with Somaliland for maritime access has escalated tensions, prompting Somalia to strengthen its ties with Egypt and Eritrea. Analysts regard this trilateral summit as an assertive attempt by Egypt to reaffirm its influence in the region amidst rising disputes over Nile water rights and Red Sea access.
Ethiopia’s aspiration to regain maritime access through its agreement with Somaliland has raised concerns for Somalia, viewing it as a potential challenge to its sovereignty, thus intensifying Egypt and Eritrea’s military cooperation with Mogadishu. Egypt’s approach encompasses both diplomatic engagement and military assistance, including arms supplies to Somalia and the formation of a joint committee for foreign ministers to coordinate strategic initiatives.
As tensions heighten, this alliance has the potential to alter the power dynamics in the region, while increasing the likelihood of military and diplomatic confrontations. The forthcoming months are critical for understanding how this strategic alignment will impact the ongoing disputes concerning the Nile River and access to the Red Sea.
The geopolitical landscape of the Horn of Africa has been significantly influenced by the interactions and power plays among Ethiopia, Egypt, Eritrea, and Somalia. Central to these dynamics is the issue of water rights associated with the Nile River, exacerbated by Ethiopia’s construction of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD). This situation has sparked apprehensions in Egypt regarding its water security. Simultaneously, Ethiopia’s quest for maritime access has caused unease among neighboring states, particularly Somalia, as regional alliances begin to shift in response to perceived threats.
The strengthening of the alliance among Egypt, Eritrea, and Somalia represents a strategic maneuver in response to increasing Ethiopian influence within the Horn of Africa. This collaboration is not only focused on military enhancements and counterterrorism but also emphasizes Egypt’s commitment to preserving its regional interests amidst ongoing disputes over water rights and territorial integrity. The unfolding developments in this alliance will be pivotal in determining the geopolitical stability of the region in the near future.
Original Source: www.garoweonline.com
