Somalia's Support for Al-Alamein Declaration Sparks Criticism from Ethiopian Analysts and Officials

Somalia's endorsement of the Al-Alamein Declaration during a regional summit in Egypt has drawn strong criticism from Ethiopian analysts and officials. The declaration was signed on October 4 by leaders of Egypt, Eritrea, Sudan, and Somalia, focusing on regional cooperation, governance, and security in the Red Sea and Nile Basin. Critics, including an commentary published by the Ethiopian News Agency (ENA), argue the agreement aligns with Egypt's long-standing positions and seeks to limit Ethiopia's strategic interests and water rights along the Nile. The commentary emphasized Ethiopia's decades-long military and diplomatic support for Somalia's stability, claiming Mogadishu's decision contradicts this historical partnership. In response, Ethiopia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterated that 85% of the Nile water originates from Ethiopia and affirmed its equitable right to utilize upper basin resources. Meanwhile, Somalia maintains its sovereign right to pursue diplomatic alliances that serve its national interests and regional stability.