MOGADISHU, Somalia — Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki met Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud in Alamein Monday for talks on bilateral relations and regional security concerns.
The meeting focused on creating a political environment rejecting external interference while protecting Somalia’s territorial integrity, stability, peace, and national unity.
Afwerki said federal governance models in Somalia and elsewhere have often failed to satisfy populations seeking greater unity and political cohesion.
He argued governance systems exploiting socioeconomic, religious, and ethnic differences should be replaced with citizenship-based frameworks that reduce divisions and prevent recurring crises.
President Mohamud thanked Afwerki and the Eritrean people for their support for Somalia’s government and people, according to Eritrea’s presidency.
The meeting comes amid worsening tensions between Ethiopia and Eritrea, whose relations have deteriorated sharply following renewed conflict and diplomatic disputes.
Ethiopia and Eritrea have exchanged accusations over security issues, while Egypt has deepened cooperation with Eritrea and Somalia amid regional tensions.
Egypt and Ethiopia remain divided over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, adding another layer to broader disputes across the Horn of Africa.
The regional tensions have raised concerns that competing alliances could deepen divisions and increase security risks across the Horn of Africa and Red Sea.
Somalia has strengthened relations with Egypt and Eritrea while tensions with Ethiopia remain focused on sovereignty, security, and Ethiopia’s access to Red Sea.