By Zamzam Osman

Asmara, Eritrea – Eritrea has expressed significant concerns regarding the recent agreement between Somalia and Ethiopia, signed in Ankara on December 11. The agreement has prompted Eritrea to reassess its relationship with Somalia, citing ambiguities and potential risks to regional security.

In a recent interview, with BBC Somali Abdulkadir Idris, an advisor to Eritrea’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Somali and regional affairs, described the agreement as rushed and lacking clarity.

“The agreement Somalia has signed with Ethiopia was made hastily and contains significant ambiguities,” Idris stated. He added that remarks by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and French president during recent interactions with Ethiopian leaders have further complicated the issue. “After listening to the statements made by the Turkish and French presidents during his visits to Ethiopia, it became clear to us that this agreement is not something we expected from Somalia,” Idris noted.

Ethiopia’s Intentions Questioned

Eritrea expressed skepticism over Ethiopia’s motives, suggesting that its primary goal may be to secure military access to Somalia’s strategic maritime zones. While acknowledging Somalia’s sovereignty to enter agreements, Idris warned of Ethiopia’s ulterior objectives.

“Somalia is an independent state and free to form agreements with any country. However, we are aware that Ethiopia’s interests are not entirely transparent,” Idris remarked. “Ethiopia is not seeking a maritime lease for economic purposes, like those in Djibouti or Mombasa. Instead, its aim seems to be military control over the waters.”

Idris emphasized that Eritrea is closely monitoring whether Somalia has granted Ethiopia military access to its waters. “Once we confirm whether Somalia has permitted military use of its waters, we will reassess our relationship with Somalia,” he added.

Threat to Red Sea Security

The possibility of an Ethiopian military presence on the Red Sea poses a significant security concern for Eritrea. “If Ethiopia establishes a foothold on the Red Sea, it will directly threaten our national security. We must take preemptive measures to address this risk,” Idris warned.

Eritrea’s reaction underscores a potential shift in its diplomatic approach towards Somalia, pending further details of the Ethiopia-Somalia agreement. This development highlights the delicate balance of power in the Horn of Africa, where access to strategic maritime zones remains a critical concern.

As Eritrea evaluates its next steps, the region faces growing uncertainty over the long-term implications of this agreement and its potential impact on stability in the Horn of Africa.