Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, along with Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, has pledged to provide full support for Somalia’s security restoration during a meeting in Asmara. The leaders discussed strategic cooperation aimed at countering regional destabilization and enhancing development through collaboration in the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea.
On 11 October 2024, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi of Egypt convened with Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud in Asmara to discuss a collaborative approach to bolster Somalia’s security through support for its national army. In a joint press conference, Sisi articulated their commitment to providing comprehensive assistance for the restoration of peace in Somalia, aligning with President Mohamud’s strategic vision. The leaders explored methods of implementation for this support, across both bilateral and multilateral channels while incorporating regional and international initiatives aimed at promoting peace in Somalia. President Sisi emphasized the importance of their gathering to strategize against destabilizing forces in the region, stating, “We convened today to consult and share perspectives on how to counter plans and actions aimed at destabilizing and fragmenting countries in the region, and sabotaging the unyielding efforts of our countries and our peoples, who strive for peace, stability and prosperity.” This meeting has taken place against a backdrop of escalating tensions in the Horn of Africa, particularly concerning an agreement between Ethiopia and the self-declared state of Somaliland, with Mohamud rejecting any concession of Somali territory. Additionally, Sisi remarked on the potential for collaborative development, stressing the crucial role of cooperation among Red Sea nations, particularly in securing maritime navigation. The presidents unanimously recognized the dire need for a permanent ceasefire in Sudan and sought to safeguard its national institutions. Through cooperative efforts, they aim to strengthen trade, investment, and knowledge-sharing among their nations, marking this summit as a notable step in securing regional stability and fostering growth for their peoples.
The context of this meeting involves ongoing security challenges in Somalia, primarily stemming from regional conflicts and internal strife. Somalia has been grappling with issues of governance, territorial integrity, and external pressures, particularly from neighboring Ethiopia. The recent agreement between Ethiopia and Somaliland, which grants Ethiopia port access, has raised concerns among Somali authorities. This trilateral meeting underscores a collective effort among Egypt, Eritrea, and Somalia to counteract destabilization while enhancing regional cooperation, particularly in the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea.
In conclusion, the meeting among Presidents Sisi, Afwerki, and Mohamud represents a concerted effort to address the pressing security concerns in Somalia while promoting regional cooperation and stability. By focusing on comprehensive support for Somalia’s national army and enhancing ties among the three nations, the leaders have laid a foundation for potential economic and strategic partnerships that prioritize peace and development in the Horn of Africa.
Original Source: www.egypttoday.com
