Horn of Africa security in focus as Al-Sisi meets Somali and Eritrean presidents in New Alamein

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.

Al-Sisi also stressed the importance of Somali national consensus to navigate internal security challenges and maintain state stability. In response, Mohamud praised Egypt’s ongoing efforts to restore stability in Somalia, defend its national institutions, and preserve its territorial integrity. 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. 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…