In a move to strengthen alliances amid growing regional tensions with Ethiopia, Somalia’s Foreign Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi met with counterparts from Egypt and Eritrea on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
Diplomatic tensions between Ethiopia and Somalia have been heightened by the status of Somaliland, a self-declared independent region. Despite its lack of international recognition, Somaliland’s strategic location near the Gulf of Aden has drawn interest from neighboring countries, escalating the dispute with Somalia, which considers it part of its sovereign territory.
During the meeting, Eritrean Foreign Minister Osman Saleh and Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty reaffirmed their support for regional security and emphasized the importance of safeguarding Somalia’s territorial integrity amid mounting external pressures, particularly from Ethiopia.
The alignment of Somalia, Egypt, and Eritrea on critical issues such as infrastructure development and counterterrorism signals a potential shift in the Horn of Africa’s power dynamics. Their collaboration could be pivotal in reshaping regional alliances.
Egypt has been bolstering Somalia’s defense capabilities with military aid, including weapons and training, amid rising tensions with Ethiopia. The latest shipment of military supplies on Monday underscored Cairo’s deepening commitment to Somalia’s stability and sent a clear message that Mogadishu’s sovereignty is backed by strong allies. This military support, part of an agreement reached in August, aims to enhance Somalia’s defense capacity while furthering Egypt’s objective of curbing Ethiopia’s growing influence in the region.
Tensions between Egypt and Ethiopia have been exacerbated by two major issues: the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, which threatens Egypt’s vital Nile water supply, and Ethiopia’s agreement with Somaliland, viewed by Somalia as a violation of its sovereignty. These developments have set the stage for further instability in the region.
