Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki has stated that the Tripartite Summit held in Asmara does not constitute a coalition against Ethiopia. He argues that such claims are propaganda aimed at creating unrest in the Horn of Africa. Afwerki emphasizes Eritrea’s commitment to regional stability amidst ongoing tensions involving Ethiopia, Somalia, and Egypt. His comments also critique Ethiopia’s internal governance challenges while reaffirming Eritrea’s support for peace in Sudan.
In recent statements, Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki clarified that the recent Tripartite Summit, which included cooperation between Eritrea, Somalia, and Egypt, does not aim to isolate Ethiopia. He labeled claims of a coalition against Ethiopia as propagandistic efforts designed to instill fear and create a rift among the nations in the Horn of Africa. Afwerki emphasized Eritrea’s interest in maintaining stability in the region, asserting that his nation does not want to see Ethiopia destabilized.
The backdrop to these comments includes rising tensions between Somalia and Ethiopia, partly due to Ethiopia’s agreements with Somaliland that impact access to the Red Sea, as well as Ethiopia’s ongoing disputes with Egypt regarding the Nile River. Furthermore, Egypt’s involvement in leading an African Union mission aimed at supporting Somalia has been interpreted as a countermeasure against Ethiopia’s influence in the region.
President Afwerki also criticized misinformation campaigns purportedly backed by foreign entities, which he believes exacerbate existing tensions. Although largely circumspect regarding Ethiopia, he remarked on its 1994 constitution as being “fundamentally flawed.” He connected the ongoing ethnic conflicts within Ethiopia, particularly in the Amhara and Tigray regions, to external destabilizing influences, notably citing rocket attacks linked to the TPLF during the Tigray conflict.
Moreover, Afwerki expressed Eritrea’s commitment to contributing to peace efforts in Sudan, acknowledging its historical relationship and the need for a resolution rooted in the will of the Sudanese people. Despite the disagreements between Ethiopia and Somalia regarding the latter’s stance on Ethiopia’s involvement in peacekeeping missions, Afwerki stressed that Eritrea is committed to fostering cooperation and stability in the broader region.
The geopolitical landscape of the Horn of Africa remains complex and often fraught with tension due to historical conflicts, ethnic divisions, and foreign interests. The recent Tripartite Summit in Asmara included Eritrea, Somalia, and Egypt, which has drawn scrutiny from Ethiopia, particularly amid allegations of a coalition formed to counter Ethiopian influence. The strategic interests of these nations, along with their contentious histories, contribute to the delicate balance of power and the need for cooperation to prevent wider regional instability. The situation has been further complicated by external actors and their involvement in regional disputes and peacekeeping efforts, highlighting the significance of effective communication and diplomacy among neighboring countries.
In conclusion, President Isaias Afwerki’s statements seek to alleviate concerns regarding the perceived coalition against Ethiopia, presenting Eritrea’s involvement as a means of promoting regional stability rather than undermining its neighbors. He underscores the importance of addressing ethnic conflicts within Ethiopia while affirming Eritrea’s commitment to peace in Sudan. The ongoing geopolitical dynamics in the Horn of Africa require careful navigation to foster cooperation and mitigate the potential for conflict among the nations involved.
Original Source: www.garoweonline.com
