Egypt is bolstering its presence in the Horn of Africa through alliances with Somalia and Eritrea, primarily aimed at countering Ethiopia. This strategy was highlighted at a tripartite summit where key leaders discussed enhancing military and diplomatic ties amidst escalating regional tensions. The developments in Sudan, including accusations of military intervention, further showcase Egypt’s proactive approach in the region.
Egypt is enhancing its strategic presence in the Horn of Africa by forming alliances with Somalia and Eritrea, aiming to establish a counterbalance to Ethiopia. This development unfolded during a recent tripartite summit attended by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi, Eritrea’s President Isaias Afwerki, and Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud in Asmara. The alliance seeks not only to bolster mutual relations but also to forge a united front against Ethiopia amidst escalating regional tensions. The summit occurred shortly after the commander of Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces, Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, accused Egypt of direct military involvement in the ongoing conflict in Sudan, underscoring Cairo’s shift from a neutral stance to active engagement to safeguard its regional interests. Despite official statements from Eritrea emphasizing the summit’s focus on regional security and strengthening relations between the three nations, observers infer that the primary motive is the formation of a cooperative strategy targeted against Ethiopia. This backdrop is critical, especially after Ethiopia recently secured a port and naval base agreement with Somaliland, prompting Egypt to solidify its military ties with Mogadishu. The Egyptian presidency expressed that the summit aimed to explore avenues for enhancing bilateral relations and addressing regional challenges in a manner beneficial to the peoples involved. Meanwhile, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has vocally challenged Egypt’s expanding influence, asserting, “We will not allow them to harm us, we will humiliate anyone who dares to threaten us to deter them,” underscoring Ethiopia’s resolve to uphold its sovereignty. Furthermore, Egypt’s involvement in the Sudanese conflict, specifically aligning with army leader Abdel Fattah al-Burhan while simultaneously participating in diplomatic mediations, illustrates Cairo’s ambition to assert itself as a significant power in African affairs. Reports have surfaced accusing Egypt of utilizing U.S. weaponry in its actions in Sudan, a claim Cairo vehemently denies, maintaining its stance on supporting Sudanese stability and state institutions.
The geopolitical landscape of the Horn of Africa has become increasingly complicated due to historical conflicts and shifts in alliances. Egypt’s interests in the region center around its need to secure access to the Nile River and counteract Ethiopia’s influence, especially in light of past disputes regarding the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam. The recent summit marks a pivotal moment in realigning power dynamics in East Africa, focusing on military cooperation and strategic positioning.
In summary, Egypt’s endeavors to cement alliances with Somalia and Eritrea signify a calculated move to enhance its regional influence and confront Ethiopian dominance. The developments in Sudan further illustrate Egypt’s willingness to engage directly in regional conflicts to protect its strategic interests, raising concerns regarding the resulting tensions in an already volatile area.
Original Source: www.atalayar.com
