Somali, Eritrean leaders discuss strengthening ties in Asmara talks

By Mohamed Dhaysane

MOGADISHU, Somalia (AA) — Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud met with his Eritrean counterpart Isaias Afwerki in Asmara on Thursday, following his state visit to Eritrea the previous evening.

According to a statement from Eritrean Information Minister Yemane Meskel, Mohamud and Afwerki discussed bilateral, regional, and international issues of mutual interest.

The two leaders emphasized the need to strengthen cooperation between their nations in maintaining Somalia’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, independence, and unity, which they described as essential for the Horn of Africa nation's development after decades of challenges.

Eritrea has assisted in training Somalia's national army as it is engaged in conflict against the al-Shabaab terrorist group.

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi also arrived in Asmara on Thursday, joining the tripartite talks. According to a statement from the Eritrean Information Ministry, the three heads of state focused on deepening ties between their nations and addressing regional security and stability.

Experts suggest that the breakdown of negotiations between Egypt and Ethiopia over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) in 2023 has been a key factor behind the formation of this new alliance.

Earlier, Egypt had lodged a complaint with the UN, expressing its "categorical rejection" of Ethiopia's unilateral actions in filling the GERD.

Rashid Abdi, chief analyst for the Horn of Africa and Middle East at Sahan Research, said the new alliance between Eritrea, Somalia, and Egypt could escalate regional tensions and increase the risk of military confrontation.

“Somalia sees an opportunity to put pressure on Ethiopia and compel it to suspend its memorandum of understanding (MoU), but it risks entangling itself in the Egypt-Ethiopia dispute,” Abdi said. He added that the alliance could “complicate efforts for a diplomatic solution” to tensions between Somalia and Ethiopia.

Relations between Somalia and Ethiopia have remained tense, particularly regarding Ethiopia’s sea access agreement with Somaliland, a self-declared breakaway region.

Meanwhile, Türkiye has been working to mediate between Somalia and Ethiopia. The UN has praised Türkiye’s efforts, which included hosting talks between the two nations in July and August.