In a significant joint initiative, leaders from Egypt, Eritrea, Somalia, and Sudan have united to address escalating conflicts across the region, particularly focusing on the ongoing civil war in Sudan and unrest in Ethiopia. The announcement follows a meeting held in New Alamein City, Egypt, on Sunday, where the officials discussed the pressing need for a collaborative approach to these crises.

Joint Declaration Highlights

The leaders—Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, and Sudanese army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan—issued a declaration that emphasizes the importance of dialogue over confrontation. The statement was crafted to facilitate a peaceful resolution and bolster Sudan’s military-led government while supporting a Sudanese-led political process.

Tensions with Ethiopia

Amidst these efforts, Ethiopia has accused Egypt, Eritrea, and Sudan of providing support to an armed alliance opposing its government. Officials from the three nations have firmly rejected these claims. The joint declaration also appeared to challenge some of Ethiopia’s recent policies, underscoring a growing divide between Addis Ababa and its neighbors.

El-Sisi remarked that contiguous challenges necessitate “a dialogue, not confrontation.” This sentiment underscores the urgency for diplomatic solutions, given the context of rising hostilities, particularly in Ethiopia, where fierce clashes are ongoing between federal forces and a seven-group armed alliance, which includes the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF).

Matters of Regional Access

The leaders’ statement further indicated that control over the Red Sea should remain with the coastal states, likely aimed at countering Ethiopia’s ambitions for sovereign access to the sea. President Mohamud noted that Somalia has no objection to Ethiopia gaining commercial access through its ports, provided such arrangements are mutually agreed upon.

Concerns Over the Nile

Long-standing tensions exist over Ethiopia’s Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, with Egypt and Sudan warning against “unilateral measures” that could adversely affect downstream nations. The regional dynamic remains intricate, with accusations flying from Ethiopian officials suggesting Eritrea’s involvement in the conflict.

Outlook on Peace Efforts

The issuance of the joint declaration comes amid escalating violence in Ethiopia, which has seen a resurgence of conflict after a fragile peace deal in 2022. Recent reports indicate that government forces have regained control of the city of Mekelle, with the former Tigray interim leader revealing plans for establishing a new temporary administration and potential regional elections in the coming months.

Accusations continue to surface regarding Eritrea’s potential backing of the rebel alliance in Ethiopia’s conflict, with Eritrean officials asserting that Ethiopia is attempting to fabricate reasons for military action against them.