Egypt, Eritrea, and Somalia Commit to Joint Security Efforts

Three leaders from Egypt, Eritrea, and Somalia met in Asmara, Eritrea, and agreed to respect sovereignty and territorial integrity in the Horn of Africa.

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki, and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud attended the summit, which was held amid rising tensions in the region. The leaders discussed enhancing security and coordinating efforts for regional stability, as well as countering terrorism. To achieve this, the Somali government needs to strengthen its state institutions and its national army so that they can deal with internal and external challenges.

Egypt's involvement, particularly with military support to Somalia, has been interpreted by some observers as a strategic move to counterbalance Ethiopia's regional ambitions, especially concerning the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam and now the maritime access through Somaliland. Eritrea, historically at odds with Ethiopia, sees this alliance as a means to navigate the complex regional dynamics, particularly in light of Ethiopia's shifting strategies regarding sea access and the Tigray conflict.