Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi held separate bilateral meetings with Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki on Saturday, utilizing the Alamein Africa Business Forum to solidify Cairo’s strategic alliances across the Horn of Africa. The talks with the two Horn of Africa leaders heavily emphasized state sovereignty, territorial integrity, and Red Sea security amid escalating regional tensions and shifting geopolitical dynamics.
During his meeting with President Mohamud, Al-Sisi reaffirmed Egypt’s firm support for Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial unity. Building on the comprehensive strategic partnership the two nations signed in January 2025, the Egyptian president pledged continued political, security, and developmental assistance to Mogadishu. This move is seen as a significant step towards enhancing cooperation between the two nations.
In response, Mohamud praised Egypt’s ongoing efforts to restore stability in Somalia, defend its national institutions, and preserve its territorial integrity. The Somali president also acknowledged Egypt’s role in promoting regional security and stability. The meeting highlighted the importance of Somali national consensus to navigate internal security challenges and maintain state stability.
In separate talks with President Afwerki, Al-Sisi expressed Cairo’s complete backing for Eritrea’s security and territorial integrity, categorically rejecting any violations of state sovereignty or interference in internal affairs—actions he described as breaches of international law and the African Union’s Constitutive Act. This strong stance reflects Egypt’s commitment to upholding international law and promoting regional stability.
Afwerki commended the growing bilateral cooperation and highlighted a strong alignment of views between Asmara and Cairo regarding regional developments and the principle of non-interference. The two leaders agreed to enhance political coordination to peacefully resolve regional crises. This cooperation is seen as a significant step towards promoting peace and stability in the region.
Both meetings underscored a shared vision for securing the strategic maritime corridors of the Red Sea, the Gulf of Aden, and the Bab el-Mandeb strait, reflecting Cairo’s deepening diplomatic and security footprint in the Horn of Africa. This shared vision is crucial for maintaining regional security and stability. The upcoming Four-Nation Summit is expected to further solidify these efforts.
The bilateral engagements are setting the stage for broader regional coordination, with President Al-Sisi set to participate in the Alamein Consultative Summit tomorrow, Sunday, October 4. The high-level summit will bring together the leaders of Egypt, Eritrea, Sudan, and Somalia to consult and coordinate on pressing regional issues of mutual interest. This summit is seen as a significant step towards promoting regional cooperation and stability.
Key points
- Egypt's President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi meets with Somali and Eritrean presidents to discuss Horn of Africa security and strategic alliances.
- The meetings emphasized state sovereignty, territorial integrity, and Red Sea security amid escalating regional tensions and shifting geopolitical dynamics.
- The upcoming Four-Nation Summit will bring together the leaders of Egypt, Eritrea, Sudan, and Somalia to consult and coordinate on pressing regional issues of mutual interest.
