Four African leaders unite in declaration amid escalating conflict in Ethiopia
In a highly significant diplomatic development, leaders from Egypt, Eritrea, Somalia, and Sudan convened recently in New Alamein City, Egypt, to address the pressing need for political dialogue in the face of escalating conflicts in the region. This assembly resulted in a joint declaration affirming their commitment to seek peaceful resolutions, particularly in light of the ongoing civil war in Sudan and intensified hostilities in Ethiopia.
The participating leaders included Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, and Sudanese army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan. Their discussions underscored the urgent necessity for cooperative efforts to foster stability, with el-Sisi emphasizing that cross-border challenges can only be addressed through dialogue rather than confrontation. The declaration served not only as a collaborative statement among the countries but also as a critique of perceived Ethiopian policies that have fueled tensions in the region.
Recent events have seen Ethiopia accusing Egypt, Eritrea, and Sudan of supporting armed factions challenging its government, though the officials in question have categorically denied such allegations. The leaders called for a political process driven by Sudanese factions, affirming their support for Sudan’s military-led government amidst a civil war that erupted in April 2023 between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces. The ongoing conflict has led to growing accusations between Sudan and Ethiopia regarding interference in one another’s affairs.
Moreover, the declaration addressed concerns over control of the Red Sea, advocating that it should remain under the jurisdiction of coastal states. This stance appears to be a direct response to Ethiopia’s aspirations for sovereign access and a naval presence in the area, given its landlocked status. Somalia’s President Mohamud has expressed a willingness to facilitate Ethiopia’s commercial access through Somali ports, highlighting a potential avenue for enhanced regional cooperation.
As tensions continue to rise, particularly with the recent escalation in fighting in Ethiopia involving the Tigray People’s Liberation Front and allied forces, the leaders’ joint declaration serves as a critical step towards fostering dialogue and potentially stabilizing a historically volatile region. Both Egyptian and Sudanese governments have voiced concerns over “unilateral measures” that threaten downstream nations, particularly regarding the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam on the Nile, a long-standing point of contention.
As the situation evolves, the long-term impacts of this diplomatic gathering on regional stability and cooperation remain to be seen.
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