Eritrean President Visits Egypt Amid Diplomatic Break With Ethiopia
President Isaias Afwerki visited Egypt for a regional security summit following a total collapse of diplomatic relations between Eritrea and Ethiopia.
Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki traveled to Egypt on Saturday for a working visit and a summit on collective security, stability, and partnership. Invited by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, Afwerki participated in the forum to address security issues affecting the Nile Basin, the Red Sea region, the Gulf of Aden, and the Arabian Gulf. The two leaders held bilateral talks in New Alamein City to strengthen ties between their nations.
The visit follows a total collapse of diplomatic relations between Eritrea and Ethiopia. On Thursday, Ethiopia closed its embassy in Asmara and expelled ten Eritrean diplomats, accusing Eritrea of hostility and threatening national security. The Cabinet of Ministers of Eritrea described the move as "astounding" and reciprocated the severance of ties. The rupture stems from disputes over Ethiopia's pursuit of Red Sea access and claims that Eritrea supports armed groups fighting the Ethiopian government.
This diplomatic crisis coincides with escalating violence in northern Ethiopia. Since September 23, Tigray People's Liberation Front forces have seized three airports, prompting an Ethiopian counter-offensive toward Mekelle. Recent clashes around Alamata and Korem have left at least 52 civilians dead and over 420 wounded.
