The President of Eritrea, Isaias Afwerki, arrived in Cairo, Egypt, on Thursday for a five-day official visit, marking another step in strengthening diplomatic relations between the two Red Sea nations. According to Eritrea’s Minister of Information, Yemane Gebremeskel, President Afwerki and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi held “extensive discussions” on Thursday afternoon covering a range of regional and bilateral issues.
President Afwerki’s visit comes amid growing tensions between Eritrea and its former ally, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. Recently, Eritrea has accused Ethiopia’s ruling Prosperity Party of hostile political behavior and territorial ambitions, particularly regarding access to the Red Sea.
During the meeting, President el-Sisi reaffirmed Egypt’s strong support for Eritrea’s “independence and territorial integrity.” He emphasized Egypt’s pride in its “strategic and historic relationship” with Eritrea, according to the Egyptian presidency statement cited by Anadolu Agency.
Topics of Discussion
The two leaders discussed the ongoing crises in Sudan, Somalia, and the Red Sea region, highlighting the importance of cooperation in maintaining regional peace and stability.
President el-Sisi expressed Egypt’s readiness to play a constructive role in promoting peace and stability in Sudan, Somalia, and across the Red Sea. Both sides agreed on the need for closer coordination between Red Sea countries to ensure maritime security and to make better use of the region’s economic and natural resources.
President Afwerki, in turn, praised Egypt’s growing role in supporting peace, stability, and development across the Horn of Africa and East Africa.
Background: Growing Ethiopia–Eritrea Tensions
The visit coincides with heightened political tension between Eritrea and Ethiopia. Earlier this week, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed addressed parliament, calling for international mediation to ease tensions with Eritrea.
In his remarks, Abiy stated,
“We do not want war with Eritrea. I urge our brothers in Asmara not to act as conduits for conflict. Ethiopia is busy with billion-dollar projects and has no time for war.”
However, the Eritrean government sharply criticized Ethiopia’s recent statements about gaining access to the Red Sea. Minister Yemane Gebremeskel accused Abiy of reviving “dangerous and unrealistic” dreams regarding the Eritrean port of Assab.
Eritrea considers the Assab port — located along the Red Sea — as sovereign territory, while some Ethiopian officials have publicly declared that Ethiopia has a “right” to maritime access.
Possible Risks of Conflict
Experts warn that a renewed conflict between Ethiopia and Eritrea would have disastrous consequences for both nations and the broader Horn of Africa.
Political analyst Bayisa argues that Ethiopia has no legal or international basis to claim the port of Assab, saying:
“Assab belongs to Eritrea. There is no international law that supports Ethiopia’s claim. If Ethiopia attempts to occupy it by force, it would violate international law and commit aggression.”
A new war could lead to severe economic, diplomatic, and humanitarian consequences, especially as both countries are still recovering from the devastating civil war in northern Ethiopia that ended only recently.
Regional Implications
The discussions between Egypt and Eritrea are therefore seen as strategically significant. Egypt, which has its own tensions with Ethiopia over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), is likely seeking to strengthen its alliances in the Red Sea and Horn of Africa.
By aligning more closely with Eritrea, Cairo could increase its regional influence, especially in the context of maritime security in the Red Sea — a key global trade route.
Meanwhile, both Eritrea and Egypt have reiterated their commitment to safeguarding Somalia’s sovereignty and regional stability, signaling their shared interest in countering extremist threats and maintaining peace in the Horn of Africa.
In conclusion, while President Afwerki’s visit to Egypt underscores growing cooperation between the two nations, it also highlights deepening regional rivalries and the fragile balance of power in the Horn of Africa — a region where diplomacy, security, and access to the Red Sea remain tightly intertwined.
Comments
Post a Comment