The leaders of Eritrea, Egypt, and Somalia have solidified their cooperation during a summit in Asmara, raising concerns about a potential “axis against Ethiopia.” This meeting reflects their shared strained relations with Ethiopia, particularly over territorial and resource disputes.
An official statement from Eritrea emphasized respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of regional countries, which many interpret as a veiled reference to Ethiopia’s ambitions for port access. The summit follows a diplomatic fallout that has drawn Somalia closer to Eritrea and Egypt, both of which have long-standing grievances with Ethiopia.
Hassan Khannenje, director of the Horn International Institute for Strategic Studies, noted that this alliance seems to be a coordinated effort to exert pressure on Ethiopia. However, Somalia’s Information Minister, Daud Aweis, insisted that the meeting was about fostering cooperation and not instigating conflict.
The summit resulted in agreements to strengthen Somali state institutions and enhance the capabilities of the Somali National Federal Army to combat terrorism. This marks Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi’s first visit to Asmara, while Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has visited multiple times this year.
The backdrop of this summit includes Ethiopia’s controversial deal with Somaliland, a self-declared republic that Somalia considers part of its territory. Additionally, longstanding tensions between Egypt and Ethiopia over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam have further complicated regional dynamics.
Recent military cooperation between Egypt and Somalia, including arms shipments, highlights the growing alliance. As relations deteriorate in the Horn of Africa, the summit could signal a shift in the balance of power in the region, potentially impacting Ethiopia’s strategic interests.
