The presidents of Somalia, Eritrea, and Egypt have committed to enhancing regional cooperation to address growing security concerns in the Horn of Africa. During a summit held in Eritrea’s capital, Asmara, on Thursday, Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud discussed measures to promote regional stability, economic development, and security.
The meeting came at a critical time for the Horn of Africa, a region long plagued by conflict, external interference, and humanitarian challenges. The leaders’ discussions underscored the need for mutual respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity, and independence, as they expressed a shared desire to confront destabilizing forces. In a statement from the Eritrean Ministry of Information, the leaders emphasized their commitment to rejecting interference in the region’s internal affairs, no matter the justification. This statement signals a strong stance against external influence, which has historically complicated efforts to resolve regional conflicts.
One of the key outcomes of the summit was the agreement to work more closely on regional security matters, particularly in Somalia. Somalia has been battling the militant group al-Shabab, an affiliate of al-Qaeda, which continues to pose a serious threat to the country’s stability. The leaders pledged to deepen their cooperation to combat terrorism in all its forms, protect Somalia’s land and sea borders, and maintain the country’s territorial integrity. This agreement marks a significant step in regional security collaboration, with the potential to strengthen Somalia’s fight against al-Shabab.
For Somalia, this cooperation is crucial as it continues its military campaign against al-Shabab and seeks to stabilize regions liberated from the group’s control. The Somali government has been working on rebuilding its armed forces and infrastructure, but al-Shabab remains resilient, often launching deadly attacks on civilians and military targets. By forging stronger ties with Eritrea and Egypt, Somalia aims to bolster its counterterrorism capabilities and secure additional support in safeguarding its borders.
However, this security pact could have broader implications for regional dynamics, particularly in relation to Ethiopia. Ethiopia has been heavily involved in Somalia, deploying thousands of troops to assist in the fight against al-Shabab. Yet, relations between Ethiopia and Somalia have grown tense due to disagreements over Somalia’s breakaway region, Somaliland. Ethiopia’s interest in developing a port in Somaliland, which is not internationally recognized as an independent state, has caused friction with Somalia’s central government. This new trilateral cooperation between Somalia, Eritrea, and Egypt could further unsettle Ethiopia, which may view the agreement as an attempt to sideline its influence in Somali affairs.
Leave a comment