Rising Tensions in the Horn of Africa: Somalia, Egypt, and Eritrea Unite to Oppose Ethiopia’s Red Sea Plans
Rising Tensions in the Horn of Africa: A New Alliance Formed Against Ethiopia’s Red Sea Agenda
ASMARA, Eritrea – Brace yourselves for a significant diplomatic gathering as Egypt’s president, Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, heads to Asmara. He joins Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Eritrea’s President Isaias Afwerki. The trio plans to hash out trade and security issues affecting the Horn of Africa’s landscape.
According to insiders, they’re eyeing a regional coalition. This could spark jitters since Ethiopia is caught in spats with both Somalia and Egypt.
An array of experts suggests that al-Sisi’s trip is Egypt’s nod to bolstering security and economic partnerships amid its bubbling tensions with Ethiopia. This meeting is groundbreaking as it’s their first collective huddle.
As recently as Wednesday, Afwerki and Sheikh made pledges to tighten the bond between their nations. They acknowledged the crucial role of safeguarding each nation’s sovereignty and territorial sanctity, especially when they’re feeling the heat.
“A robust connection between the two sister nations is pivotal,” stated Eritrea’s Information Minister Yemane Meskel. “They agreed that creating a strong, future-ready nation hinges on solid institutions, which means having a dependable defense system.”
Meskel noted that Eritrea’s contribution to training Somalia’s national forces aligns with their mutual goals. Plans are in the works to deepen cooperation in various spheres to aid in their nation-building quests.
Lately, Ethiopia’s embroiled in controversy for allegedly signing a pact with North Western State of Somalia, a breakaway Somali region. This pact would grant Ethiopia a 20-kilometer Red Sea stretch for recognizing North Western State of Somalia’s sovereignty—something Somalia frowns upon.
Ethiopia is adamant about pushing this agreement but is concurrently facing heat from Egypt over its ambitious Grand Renaissance Dam project. However, Ethiopia says it’s open for talks about fair Red Sea access, aiming to dodge any pitfalls.
“The government’s ready to chat calmly,” declared new leader Taye Atske. Yet, he did issue a warning: legal steps await anyone threatening societal peace or inciting conflict through harmful rhetoric.
Cue further discomfort in Addis Ababa: Egypt and Somalia have struck up a military alliance. This includes a pledge to bolster Somalia’s military might, with shipments of arms already in the works.
Source: AXADLETM
