A two-day state visit by Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud to Eritrea yielded crucial support for Mogadishu’s territorial integrity, a move with potential ramifications in the already tense relations between Somalia and Ethiopia.
President Mohamud, meeting with his Eritrean counterpart Isaias Afwerki in Asmara, secured an affirmation of Asmara’s backing for “the sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity of Somalia,” a vital stance amidst ongoing friction with Ethiopia over a controversial port deal.
“Our region is a very volatile region,” Mohamud told Eritrean state TV after the meeting, highlighting the importance of regional cooperation and dialogue. He further briefed Afwerki on the current situation in Somalia, underscoring the significance of shared perspectives in navigating the area’s challenges.
The visit comes at a critical juncture, nine days after Ethiopia signed a sea access agreement with Somaliland, a breakaway region of Somalia. Mogadishu vehemently condemned the deal, deeming it “illegitimate” and a violation of its sovereignty. The Ethiopian government, however, defended its decision, emphasizing the neutrality of the agreement towards other parties.
The port deal holds strategic significance for Ethiopia, offering a reliable naval base and commercial maritime service in the Gulf of Aden. Having lost direct access to the Red Sea and key ports following the Eritrean War of Independence (1961-1991), regaining maritime access remains a crucial geopolitical objective for Addis Ababa.
Mohamud’s visit and Eritrea’s subsequent endorsement of Somalia’s territorial integrity add a new layer of complexity to the regional dynamic. While the extent of Eritrean involvement in the Ethiopia-Somalia dispute remains unclear, it signals a potential shift in alliances and could exacerbate existing tensions.
With Somali-Ethiopian relations strained and Eritrea aligning itself with Mogadishu on the issue of territorial integrity, the Horn of Africa faces a period of heightened uncertainty. Navigating this delicate landscape will require diplomatic finesse and a commitment to dialogue from all parties involved.
The coming weeks and months will be crucial in determining whether Eritrea’s backing for Somalia translates into concrete action, and whether it paves the way for a de-escalation of tensions or further complicates the already fragile regional balance.
