Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud is visiting Eritrea to solidify relations with President Isaias Afwerki. The talks focus on enhancing cooperation, particularly regarding regional security. Mohamud may also participate in trilateral discussions with Egypt, signaling the potential for a military alliance to counter Ethiopia amidst ongoing disputes in the Horn of Africa.
The President of Somalia, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, is currently visiting Asmara, the capital of Eritrea, for discussions with Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki on enhancing bilateral ties. Accompanied by Foreign Affairs Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi, the talks will prioritize regional issues, notably those impacting the Horn of Africa, with a strong emphasis on security and stability. Notably, there are indications that Mohamud may engage in trilateral discussions with Egypt, which could indicate a developing military alliance among Somalia, Eritrea, and Egypt aimed at countering Ethiopian influence in the region. Previously, a meeting occurred at the United Nations General Assembly involving Egypt’s Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty and his Somali and Eritrean counterparts, reinforcing a commitment to shared goals including regional stability and mutual sovereignty. Egypt’s recent military assistance to Somalia further exemplifies this new cooperation. The shipments, viewed as the largest delivery of military supplies since the lifting of the embargo on Somalia, signals Cairo’s support amid rising tensions with Ethiopia over various disputes, including maritime agreements and military incursions. Additionally, discussions are underway between Egypt and Eritrea on a potential military cooperation agreement and strategies to safeguard Red Sea shipping routes. This follows an October visit by high-ranking Egyptian officials to Eritrea, intended to solidify diplomatic relations and project Cairo’s influence in the region. The evolving dynamics are critical, as Ethiopia has been strengthening ties with Puntland, a Somali state that has historically conflicted with Somalia’s federal government.
The geopolitical landscape of the Horn of Africa is evolving, with increased cooperation among Somalia, Eritrea, and Egypt in response to shared concerns over Ethiopian influence and regional stability. The military ties being established between Somalia and Egypt are particularly noteworthy, as is the prospect of Eritrea joining this alliance. Historical tensions in the region, including disputes over territory and maritime rights, have necessitated this alignment among the three nations.
In summary, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s visit to Eritrea marks a significant step towards strengthening bilateral relations and potentially forming a strategic alliance with Egypt against Ethiopia. The ongoing discussions underscore a growing cooperation amid regional tensions, amidst Egypt’s military support and diplomatic efforts that aim to reinforce the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Somalia while countering Ethiopian encroachments.
Original Source: www.agenzianova.com
