EthiopiaAfrican Leaders Meet Amid Escalating Conflicts
Egypt, Eritrea, Somalia, and Sudan call for peaceful solutions to regional conflicts, including Sudan's civil war and fighting in Ethiopia. The leaders issued a joint declaration after a meeting in New Alamein City, Egypt.
Global Newsflix 2 min read
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, and Sudanese army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan met on Sunday to discuss regional issues.
The leaders called for political and peaceful solutions to conflicts in the region, including Sudan's civil war and the fighting in Ethiopia between federal forces and an armed alliance.
Ethiopia has accused Egypt, Eritrea, and Sudan of backing the armed alliance, but officials from these countries have denied involvement.
The joint declaration backed Sudan's military-led government and called for a political process led by Sudanese parties, and also stated that control of the Red Sea should remain with coastal states.
Egypt and Sudan warned against unilateral measures that harm downstream states, in an apparent reference to Ethiopia's Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam on the Nile.
The declaration was issued as fighting escalated in Ethiopia, with government and allied forces retaking the city of Mekelle on Sunday.
Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud said Somalia does not object to Ethiopia securing commercial access through Somali ports, provided it is agreed with Somalia.
Key facts
- Egypt, Eritrea, Somalia, and Sudan issued a joint declaration calling for peaceful solutions to regional conflicts.
- The declaration backed Sudan's military-led government and called for a political process led by Sudanese parties.
- The leaders warned against unilateral measures that harm downstream states, in an apparent reference to Ethiopia's Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam.
- Fighting escalated in Ethiopia, with government and allied forces retaking the city of Mekelle on Sunday.
Three perspectives
Neutral
The meeting and joint declaration reflect the complex web of alliances and rivalries in the region. The situation in Ethiopia and Sudan remains volatile, with multiple parties involved. Further developments are expected in the coming days.
Positive
The call for peaceful solutions and political processes is a constructive step towards resolving the region's conflicts. The joint declaration demonstrates a willingness to cooperate and find common ground among the participating countries.
Negative
The accusations and denials of involvement in each other's conflicts suggest a deep-seated mistrust among the countries. The warning against unilateral measures may escalate tensions further, particularly with regard to Ethiopia's dam project.
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