Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki has dismissed claims that a recent agreement involving Eritrea, Somalia, and Egypt forms an alliance against Ethiopia. In a televised interview on Saturday, he labeled the accusations as baseless propaganda intended to sow mistrust in the region.
Isaias explained that the trilateral agreement, signed in Asmara, seeks to promote stability across the Horn of Africa, the Nile Basin, and the Red Sea. He emphasized Eritrea’s commitment to regional cooperation, stating, “Eritrea has no interest in Ethiopia’s destabilization.”
These accusations have arisen amid tensions following Ethiopia’s controversial agreement with Somaliland, which secures Ethiopia access to a Red Sea corridor. The deal has aggravated Ethiopia’s strained relations with Egypt over Nile River resources and sparked quiet discontent in Eritrea.
Isaias criticized what he described as foreign-backed disinformation campaigns, warning that such narratives could escalate conflicts in the volatile region. He also highlighted Ethiopia’s internal challenges, including unresolved conflicts like the Tigray war and ongoing unrest in the Amhara region, attributing them to flaws in Ethiopia’s political framework and the 1994 constitution.
He pointed to past border clashes and the TPLF’s rocket attacks on Eritrea during the Tigray conflict as evidence of destabilizing external interference. Despite this, Isaias reiterated Eritrea’s commitment to supporting peace efforts in Sudan, emphasizing historical ties and the need for Sudanese-led solutions.
Shifting focus to global issues, Isaias criticized U.S. policies and highlighted the growing influence of China and Russia as challenges to waning U.S. dominance. He called for constructive international engagement, urging Eritrea to prepare for partnerships that foster trust and cooperation.