US envoy rejects claims of 'secret' Eritrea deal
A top US envoy has rejected claims that Washington was negotiating a “secret” arrangement with Eritrea, saying no such agreement existed or was being considered. Massad Boulos, President Donald Trump’s senior adviser for Arab and African affairs, made the remarks amid increased scrutiny of US diplomatic engagement with Eritrea, Ethiopia and Egypt – countries at the centre of disputes over…
US envoy Massad Boulos has firmly rejected allegations of a secret agreement between Washington and Eritrea. In a clear statement on social media platform X, Boulos emphasized that no such arrangement exists or is being contemplated by the Trump administration. The envoy's denial comes amid heightened scrutiny of US diplomatic dealings with Eritrea, Ethiopia, and Egypt, nations at the core of disputes over regional security, Nile waters, and Red Sea access.
Boulos reiterated the administration's commitment to fostering peace and stability across the Horn of Africa through diplomatic efforts. He specifically denigrated claims of a secret deal with Eritrea, vowing that such allegations could undermine genuine diplomatic initiatives. The remarks follow an increased US diplomatic focus on Eritrea, a strategically significant Red Sea state with a long coastline.
Eritrea's geopolitical importance has surged due to its strategic location along a crucial maritime route, making it a key player in regional security concerns, particularly the threat of Houthi rebels in Yemen targeting shipping. Boulos, who has previously interacted with Eritrean officials, also held talks with Egyptian leaders.
The US diplomatic engagement with these nations, including Cairo, has sparked debates about potential alignments to counter Ethiopia's growing regional influence. Ethiopia and Eritrea had waged a severe border war from 1998 to 2000 before reconciling in 2018. However, tensions have resurfaced due to Eritrea's role in Ethiopia's internal conflict in Tigray and ongoing disagreements over regional security and access to the Red Sea.
Ethiopia is embroiled in another dispute with Egypt over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, with Cairo expressing apprehensions about potential water supply issues for downstream regions. Meanwhile, Addis Ababa perceives the dam project as crucial for its development. Boulos cautioned against baseless claims and speculation regarding alleged regional agreements, asserting that such assertions could hamper diplomatic progress.
The Trump administration has recently intensified its focus on the Horn of Africa, where competition over Red Sea influence, maritime security, and unresolved conflicts has garnered significant international attention.
Written by urgent.news from The National UAE's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — it may contain errors, so check the original before relying on it.
