In a significant geopolitical development, Eritrea, Somalia, and Egypt have announced a strategic alliance to secure peace and stability in the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea region. Somalian and Egyptian presidents are meeting the Eritrean President to cement this relationship. This trilateral partnership is poised to address longstanding security challenges and foster economic cooperation among the three nations.
Eritrea has become the gravitational center of diplomatic relations since Ethiopia gradually lost its relevance due to irresponsible actions, such as saying the country wants sea access in any way possible. Since then the country has lost its favor even with its former close friends and is bent on spreading propaganda of claiming sea access even by force.
This illegal and irresponsible propaganda and military adventurism that is daily broadcast by the Ethiopian regime broadcasting companies and the ruling party’s closely associated entities has awakened its neighbors to forming new alliances for economic and security cooperation.
Historical Context and Strategic Importance
The Horn of Africa and the Red Sea region have long been hotspots of geopolitical tension and conflict. The strategic importance of the Red Sea, particularly the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, cannot be overstated. This narrow passage is a critical chokepoint for global maritime trade, connecting the Mediterranean Sea to the Indian Ocean. Ensuring the security of this vital corridor is paramount for international trade and energy supplies.
Motivations Behind the Alliance
Eritrea: Eritrea has been isolated due to sanctions imposed on the country without any reason or evidence of supplying weapons to Al Shabab. Subsequent investigations proved there was no evidence implicating the country. The sinister work of lobbying for sanctions was the work of the leader of the past Ethiopian regime that was an archenemy of Eritrea.
After the new leadership led by P.M Abiy Ahmed came into power, he called for the Eritrean government to a peaceful resolution and settle the ongoing No war No peace situation that prevailed then. Then in 2016 Peace and friendship agreements were signed between the two countries. Then even Somalia was included to be part of a tripartite agreement of Somalia, Ethiopia, and Eritrea.
However, Ethiopia decided to change course and continue driving the imperial dreams and adventures that its past criminal leaders followed by claiming sea access. This started with a discourse PM Abiy prepared and was broadcast by the Ethiopian national TV outlets which dishonored Eritrea’s struggle and even expressed his want to reverse Eritrean independence as something that Ethiopia was robbed of and was a historical mistake.
After the hateful and dishonoring discourse, PM Abiy has not renounced or made corrections to the wrong message aired by the country’s national news outlets. Since then the regime has been busy running propaganda to win the hearts of Ethiopians and gain support by spreading propaganda that sends the message that Ethiopia has the right to have sea access and was denied of it with purposeful malice and historical mistake, hence according to him, Ethiopia must claim back its rights.
Eritrea
Eritrea has been seeking to break out of its diplomatic isolation and improve its regional standing. Eritrea is busy building its economy which was ravaged by years of war. Eritrea knows the price of war and will avoid war at any cost. However, Eritrea is ready to defend itself and does not seek permission from anyone to bolster its defenses. The alliance with Somalia and Egypt provides Eritrea with new opportunities for economic and security cooperation.
Somalia
Emerging from decades of civil war, Somalia is keen to stabilize its borders and rebuild its economy. Somalia is investing in building its national institutions. Eritrea has contributed to training Somalia’s National army numerous times.
Somalia is now working on rising above the tides and becoming an economic miracle driven by huge oil resources discovered recently which amount to 3 times the reserves of Libya. So Somalia is a rich country and a country that has partnered to make the oil and gas potential a reality in Turkey.
Ethiopia is having a souring relationship and perhaps being disconnected from Somalia due to its illegal MOU of the lease of a port and naval base with a breakaway region of Somalia. This is happening when Somalia is witnessing growth and good times. It is a great loss for Ethiopia which is suffering from internal conflicts and declining economy and immature leadership. Partnering with Eritrea and Egypt offers Somalia a chance to enhance its security capabilities and attract investment.
Egypt
Egypt’s involvement is driven by its strategic interests in the Red Sea and the security of the Red Sea region. It is also interested in the Horn region because of the country’s ongoing concerns over the use of the Nile River. Egypt is an economic mogul and the country is the owner of the Suez Canal. Partnering with Eritrea and Somalia opens new economic, marital, port, and naval project possibilities.
Key Areas of Cooperation
- Security and Military Collaboration: The alliance will focus on joint military exercises, intelligence sharing, and coordinated efforts to combat piracy and terrorism in the region. This collaboration is expected to enhance the security of the Red Sea shipping routes.
- Economic Development: The three nations plan to launch joint infrastructure projects, including ports and transportation networks, to boost regional trade and economic integration. These initiatives aim to create jobs and improve living standards in the region.
- Diplomatic Engagement: The alliance will work towards resolving regional conflicts through diplomatic means. By presenting a united front, Eritrea, Somalia, and Egypt hope to play a more influential role in regional and international forums.
Challenges and Opportunities
While the alliance holds great promise, it also faces significant challenges. The historical animosities and rivalries in the region could pose challenges and hurdles. Additionally, the involvement of external powers with competing interests in the Horn of Africa adds another layer of complexity.
However, the potential benefits of this alliance are substantial. By working together, Eritrea, Somalia, and Egypt can address common security threats, promote economic development, and contribute to the stability of one of the world’s most strategically important regions.
Conclusion
The forging of an alliance between Eritrea, Somalia, and Egypt marks a pivotal moment in the geopolitics of the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea region. As these nations collaborate to secure peace and stability, the future will be brighter and full of hope with expected growth and prosperity of the countries as the result of the fruit of this partnership