Former Foreign Minister Predicts the Fragility of Somalia’s Partnership with Egypt and Eritrea

At the helm: Former Somali Foreign Minister, Ambassador Ahmed Issa Awad, didn’t mince his words while criticizing Somalia’s freshly minted alliance with Egypt and Eritrea, calling it a reckless shot in the dark.

Below: Somalia, Egypt, and Eritrea’s leaders clasp hands during a diplomatic rendezvous.

Ahmed Issa Awad has thrown caution to the wind, cautioning that Somalia’s new alliance with Egypt and Eritrea was hasty and destined to be short-lived. He pointed out the vast chasm in their governing styles and clashing regional agendas.

Speaking on the swirling political currents in Somalia, Awad insists Somalia ought to fix its backyard first, chasing stability and democratic ideals, rather than cozying up to nations steered by iron-fisted rulers. “Our goal should be to establish a government wielded by its citizens, where human rights rule the roost, and we nurture harmonious bonds with close neighbors. Egypt and Eritrea, on the flip side, are under the firm thumbs of leaders holding their people in a vice,” Awad emphasized.

The ex-minister sounded alarms about the relationship’s shaky ground, reliant mostly on their links with Ethiopia, a titan in the region wielding major sway. Awad reckons Egypt and Eritrea’s agenda with Ethiopia outmuscle their interests in Somalia.

“Egypt and Eritrea’s ties with Ethiopia run deeper, and those ties will always trump their links with Somalia,” Awad elucidated.

He implored Somalia’s top brass to unite the nation and heal old wounds, warning that Ethiopia’s elbowing in the neighborhood could jeopardize Somalia’s autonomy. Awad stressed that solidifying internal unity would arm Somalia better against any outside jostling by neighboring states.

Edited by: Ali Musa

alimusa@axadletimes.com

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