Egypt and Eritrea Commit to Strengthened Relations Following Cairo’s Security Boost for Somalia

Mogadishu (AX) — In a notable development in East African geopolitics, Egypt and Eritrea have pledged to enhance their political and security cooperation. This commitment emerged from a high-level dialogue between their foreign ministers, which took place shortly after Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi’s meeting with Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.

On Thursday, the phone call between Egypt’s Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty and Eritrea’s Foreign Minister Osman Saleh solidified the assurance of their collaborative efforts. According to reports from Egypt’s Ahram Online and state media, both diplomats spoke highly of the robust bilateral relations and emphasized the need to build upon the advancements achieved under the guidance of Presidents el-Sissi and Isaias Afwerki.

Reflecting on their conversation, the two leaders underscored the vital importance of mutual support in the face of an ever-evolving regional landscape. It’s interesting to consider how these relationships can shape the future of not just the nations involved but the broader Horn of Africa. What dimensions of trust play into forging such alliances? Does a historical narrative of cooperation serve as a catalyst?

Furthermore, this dialogue followed President Hassan Sheikh’s significant visit to El Alamein on July 6, during which Egypt reaffirmed its commitment to bolster military support for Somalia. Under an August 2024 agreement, Egypt has taken the initiative to train Somali military units and is preparing to deploy troops as part of the African Union’s post-ATMIS mission, aptly named AUSSOM. This pact is not merely about military presence; it embodies a comprehensive strategy by Egypt aimed at asserting a more significant influence in both the Red Sea and the Horn of Africa.

In a statement released after the summit, the Somali presidency warmly welcomed Egypt’s escalated military engagement, labeling it “a reinforcement of Somali sovereignty and maritime protection.” This phrase resonates on multiple levels, conjuring visions of a resilient nation reclaiming its agency and safeguarding its territorial waters.

The August 2024 security agreement underscores Egypt’s commitment to train Somali military forces, which is pivotal for the success of AUSSOM, the new stabilization mission replacing ATMIS. The essence of this collaboration goes beyond mere military logistics; it represents a concerted effort to enhance regional security and bolster confidence among nations navigating common threats.

During his address on July 7, President el-Sissi expressed a stern warning: “Any attempt to undermine Somalia’s sovereignty or destabilize the Red Sea will be firmly opposed.” It’s a statement packed with defiance, illustrating Egypt’s readiness to act decisively. Supporting this assertion, Egypt has already provided military aid shipments to Somalia and pledged to send troops under the AUSSOM framework as part of a tangible demonstration of solidarity.

Somalia’s strategic positioning doesn’t end with its partnership with Egypt. The Horn of Africa is undergoing shifts that compel Somalia to realign its foreign relations. In recent months, Mogadishu has also cultivated closer ties with Eritrea and Djibouti. This maneuver is a direct response to Ethiopia’s January 2024 memorandum of understanding with North Western State of Somalia. This agreement potentially allows Ethiopian forces access to a naval base on the Gulf of Aden—an arrangement that Mogadishu has vocally denounced as a breach of its territorial integrity. Isn’t it intriguing how such strategic alignments and realignments can arise from historical grievances?

Adding to this complexity, last week’s Turkish-brokered talks aimed at resolving regional disputes came to an abrupt halt. With Ankara’s mediation efforts stalling, Somalia has increasingly turned to Egypt and its Arab League allies as a bulwark against external pressures. It raises the question: What does it mean for a nation to pivot its diplomatic strategy in turbulent times?

Eritrea, too, is playing its part in this shifting landscape. Having maintained a complicated relationship with Ethiopia since the collapse of the Pretoria peace agreement in late 2023, Eritrea has aligned itself with Cairo’s regional ambitions. The trilateral partnership among Egypt, Eritrea, and Somalia gained formal recognition during the October 2024 summit in Asmara, where the countries jointly pledged to uphold Somalia’s sovereignty and coordinate their diplomatic efforts in the region.

This evolving narrative of cooperation invites us to ponder: Can the forging of alliances in a region fraught with historical tensions paves the way for lasting peace? As nations prioritize common interests, what implications might that have for future generations?

As we observe these developments, one thing becomes clear: the dynamics within the Horn of Africa are changing. The strategic partnerships being formed today could very well dictate the course of regional cooperation for years to come.

In conclusion, the growing ties between Egypt, Eritrea, and Somalia signal not just a moment of political maneuvering, but a potential shift in the geopolitical narrative of East Africa. The actions taken today may reverberate for generations as nations seek not only to protect their interests but to foster an environment where lasting peace can flourish.

Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International – Monitoring