Addis Ababa: A strategic alignment between Cairo and Asmara is significantly contributing to instability in the Horn of Africa. This alliance is characterized by efforts to deepen regional divisions and support rebellions against legitimate governments, thereby entrenching instability.
According to Ethiopian News Agency,The cooperation between Egypt and Eritrea is driven by their individual postures towards Ethiopia. Egypt's involvement is primarily motivated by its concerns over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam and its perceived threat to Egyptian interests in the Nile basin. In response, Cairo has strengthened ties with Asmara to weaken Ethiopia.
Eritrea, on the other hand, has a long-standing antagonistic stance against Ethiopia, dating back to its secession in 1991. The Eritrean regime has renewed its strategy of indirect conflict by supporting rebel groups within Ethiopia, including the Tigray People's Liberation Front and the Amhara Fano National Movement. Eritrea's support involves providing arms, finances, and coordination, often using Sudanese territory to facilitate these operations.
Moreover, Cairo and Asmara have extended their influence to Sudan, supporting the Sudanese Armed Forces in the ongoing civil war. This has allowed Eritrea to establish positions and funnel arms through Sudan, further exacerbating conflicts along the Ethiopian border.
The geopolitical maneuvers of Egypt and Eritrea pose a significant threat to the stability of the Horn of Africa, a crucial region for global trade and security. The actions of these countries risk destabilizing sea lines of communication and triggering humanitarian crises and population displacement.
Ethiopia, in response, has shown restraint and continues to advocate for peaceful development and regional stability. Addressing the United Nations General Assembly, President Taye Atske-Selassie highlighted Ethiopia‚¬„¢s commitment to development and urged external actors to respect the rights of the Horn of Africa's people to live in peace. He emphasized the importance of holding accountable those who promote instability in the region.
While Ethiopia's diplomatic approach has so far helped prevent a full-scale regional collapse, the international community must address the destabilizing actions of external states to ensure long-term peace and stability in the region.
