Egypt, Eritrea Reportedly Exploring Potential Military Deal Amidst Rising Regional Tensions
In late August, Somali media reported that Egyptian military personnel and equipment arrived in Mogadishu, beginning a deployment that may involve up to 10,000 soldiers. This comes amid rising regional tensions over Ethiopia’s Grand Renaissance Dam and a contentious agreement between Ethiopia and Somaliland.
Egypt and Eritrea are considering a military cooperation and intelligence sharing agreement to strengthen their already close relationship, Abu Dhabi–based media outlet The National reported on Monday, citing sources.
The agreement could include measures to safeguard Red Sea shipping lanes, disrupted by Houthi attacks amid the Gaza conflict.
Moreover, Egypt is considering mediating peace between Eritrea and Tigray rebels in Ethiopia.
The discussions between Egypt and Eritrea follow a recent visit to Asmara by Egyptian intelligence chief Kamel Abbas and Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty, who met with Eritrean leader Isaias Afwerki, the report noted.
The Egyptians also listened to the Eritrean leader’s perspectives on developments in the Horn of Africa, the region’s challenges, and strategies for enhancing security and stability, the media outlet wrote.