Monday September 23, 2024
Somalia's Foreign Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi, Egypt's Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty, and Eritrea's Foreign Minister Osman Saleh join hands during their trilateral meeting on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly, underscoring their commitment to regional stability and cooperation. Credit. Egypt MOFA
Mogadishu (HOL) — Somalia's Foreign Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi met with Egypt and Eritrea at the UNGA to strengthen alliances against rising regional tensions with Ethiopia.
Somaliland, a self-declared independent region, has been at the heart of diplomatic friction between Somalia and Ethiopia. While unrecognized internationally, Somaliland's strategic location along the Gulf of Aden has drawn interest from regional powers, exacerbating tensions with Somalia, which considers the territory part of its sovereign state.
Eritrean Foreign Minister Osman Saleh and Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty reinforced their commitment to regional stability, highlighting the importance of safeguarding Somalia's territorial integrity amidst growing external pressures, particularly from Ethiopia.
The coordinated efforts of Somalia, Egypt, and Eritrea signal a potential shift in the Horn of Africa's power dynamics, as the three nations align on key issues such as counter-terrorism and infrastructure development.
Egypt's military aid, including weapons and troop training, has bolstered Somalia's defence capabilities amid heightened tensions with Ethiopia. Monday's arms shipments signify Cairo's deepening investment in Somalia's stability, sending a clear message to the region that Mogadishu's sovereignty is supported by powerful allies.
The military aid, part of an agreement signed in August, aims to boost Somalia's defence and serves Cairo's goal of countering Ethiopia's growing regional influence. Tensions have escalated between Egypt and Ethiopia over two critical issues: the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, which threatens Egypt's Nile water supply, and Ethiopia's deal with Somaliland, which Somalia views as an attack on its sovereignty. These developments have left the region teetering on the brink of further instability.