Egypt: Egypt, Eritrea, Somalia and Sudan Converge As Tensions With Ethiopia Deepen

Addis Ababa — Four African nations – Egypt, Sudan, Eritrea, and Somalia – have joined forces in a joint declaration to oppose unilateral actions in regional affairs and assert their role in governing the strategic Red Sea. The El Alamein Joint Declaration, signed on Sunday, follows a summit in Egypt where leaders from the four countries underscored the importance of international law, respect for state sovereignty, and cooperation in managing transboundary water resources, particularly the Nile.

The leaders rejected any unilateral measures that could impact Egypt and Sudan's water usage, as well as Ethiopia's downstream interests. Egypt and Sudan continue to oppose Ethiopia's handling of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), while Sudan also accuses Ethiopia of aiding the RSF in its ongoing war, a claim Addis Ababa denies.

Relations between Ethiopia and Somalia have been strained over maritime access, and Ethiopia's ties with Eritrea have worsened following their post-2018 reconciliation and Eritrea's involvement in the Tigray war. The summit coincides with renewed fighting in northern Ethiopia, with Addis Ababa accusing Eritrea, Egypt, and Sudan of supporting the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF), allegations all three deny.

While the four nations' interests remain distinct, their coordinated stance could increase diplomatic pressure on Ethiopia amid ongoing conflicts and strained relationships with neighboring countries.