On October 11, 2024, Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, alongside Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, agreed to provide comprehensive support to Somalia for its security restoration. They discussed strategies to combat regional destabilization, the importance of enhancing collaboration among the Red Sea nations, and addressed issues concerning Sudan. The meeting emphasized fostering trade, investment, and capacity-building efforts among the three countries.
On October 11, 2024, in a joint press conference in Asmara, Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi announced his consensus with Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud on extending comprehensive support to Somalia for the restoration of security through the empowerment of its national army. President Sisi emphasized the collaborative discussions held regarding potential avenues for such assistance, noting both bilateral and multilateral efforts aimed at fostering peace in Somalia. The leaders convened to deliberate strategies against destabilizing actions in the region, underscoring the collective aspirations of their nations for peace and stability. Sisi reiterated Egypt’s steadfast commitment to Somalia’s unity and territorial integrity, particularly in light of rising tensions between Somalia and Ethiopia, particularly over a controversial port access agreement between Ethiopia and Somaliland, a region whose statehood Egypt does not recognize. During the conference, President Sisi articulated the shared determination among the three nations to exploit developmental opportunities through enhanced cooperation and integration, particularly in light of challenges in international maritime navigation across the Red Sea. A collaborative framework was proposed to enhance institutional coordination to protect global navigation and tap into the Red Sea’s natural resources. The discussions also extended to the situation in Sudan, where the leaders underscored the urgent need for a lasting ceasefire and safeguarding the country’s national institutions. The meeting served as an indicator of the strong partnership between Egypt, Eritrea, and Somalia, with President Sisi emphasizing the importance of consolidating relations to effectively tackle common challenges in the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea. Moreover, the leaders acknowledged the necessity of enhancing trade and investment relations among their nations and pledged to engage in capacity building and knowledge exchange.
The Horn of Africa has recently witnessed heightened tensions, particularly due to disputes involving territorial integrity and international agreements. The emergence of military and political unrest has sparked concerns over the stability of Somalia and, by extension, the broader Horn of Africa region. Egypt has historically played a pivotal role in advocating for the unity and sovereignty of nations in this area, further aggravated by Ethiopia and Somaliland’s port access deal, which Somalia vehemently opposes. As such, the leaders have convened to stabilize the situation while promoting regional cooperation that would facilitate economic development and security.
In summation, the collaborative efforts articulated by Presidents Sisi, Afwerki, and Mohamud underscore a shared commitment to restoring stability in Somalia through collective security arrangements. Moreover, the discussion points towards a broader aim of strengthening regional cooperation to harness natural resources and secure trade routes across the Red Sea. This partnership signifies a resilient approach to addressing shared geopolitical challenges, particularly regarding the integrity and stability of the Horn of Africa.
Original Source: www.egypttoday.com
