The summit, chaired by Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki, included Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, with all three leaders pledging enhanced cooperation to improve stability across the Horn of Africa.
During the summit, the leaders emphasized their commitment to combating terrorism and external interference, while also respecting the sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of their nations. A statement released by the Eritrean Information Ministry highlighted the trio's resolve to intensify collaborative efforts to address security challenges, particularly in Somalia, where al-Shabab continues to pose a significant threat.
The leaders underscored the importance of protecting both land and maritime borders to maintain territorial integrity. Somalia, which has been under pressure to stabilize its security situation, stands to benefit from this increased regional cooperation as it continues its fight against the al-Qaeda-linked militant group.
The new security partnership also carries broader implications for regional geopolitics, particularly regarding Ethiopia. Somalia’s recently established military pact with Egypt, which includes Cairo's commitment to support a new African Union initiative aimed at dismantling al-Shabab, adds a layer of complexity to the alliance. Ethiopia, which has deployed troops to fight insurgents in Somalia, has also been managing tensions related to Somaliland, a breakaway region seeking independence from Mogadishu.
Furthermore, the ongoing Nile River dispute between Egypt and Ethiopia continues to influence relations. Egypt opposes Ethiopia’s Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) project, which it fears will restrict its access to Nile waters, while Ethiopia remains a key regional player with its own security concerns.
Eritrea, which supported Ethiopia during the recent Tigray conflict, has its own historical tensions with its southern neighbor. Analysts have noted Eritrea’s dissatisfaction with its exclusion from peace negotiations following the conflict in Tigray, adding another layer of complexity to the region's shifting alliances.
With al-Shabab remaining a central threat in the Horn of Africa, the leaders’ agreement to bolster security ties represents a strategic effort to combat terrorism. The cooperation between Somalia, Eritrea, and Egypt aims to address these challenges and foster sustainable development in the region. Eritrea and Egypt, as neighboring nations, have a vested interest in maintaining regional stability, which is directly tied to their own security and economic interests.
While the summit showcased a united front against terrorism, the growing alliance could also exacerbate tensions with Ethiopia. As the Horn of Africa navigates its intricate geopolitical landscape, the evolving relationships between these nations will play a crucial role in shaping the future of regional security and stability.
The leaders concluded the summit with a commitment to continued collaboration, as they seek to balance their security interests with the broader goal of fostering peace and development across the region. (ILKHA)