Friday , June 19, 2026 (Baidoa Online) -Relations between Somalia and Eritrea have reportedly deteriorated in recent months, raising questions about the future of a partnership that has played an important role in regional security and military cooperation in the Horn of Africa.

A senior official from Somalia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has claimed that diplomatic ties between the two countries are currently strained, pointing to growing disagreements over Somalia’s evolving regional relationships and efforts to normalize relations with neighboring Ethiopia.

According to the official, Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki communicated to Somali authorities that maintaining close relations with both Eritrea and Ethiopia simultaneously would be difficult. The official alleged that Eritrea expected Somalia to make a strategic choice regarding its regional alliances, particularly as Mogadishu continues to engage Addis Ababa through ongoing diplomatic initiatives.

The reported disagreement comes at a sensitive moment for the Horn of Africa, where regional powers have been recalibrating their alliances amid shifting political and security dynamics.

Somalia Prioritizes Dialogue with Ethiopia

The Somali official stated that Mogadishu has prioritized dialogue with Ethiopia, particularly through discussions linked to the Ankara process, which was launched to ease tensions and improve relations between the two neighboring countries.

Relations between Somalia and Ethiopia experienced significant strain in 2024 following Ethiopia’s controversial memorandum of understanding with Somaliland, a move that was strongly opposed by Somalia, which viewed it as a violation of its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

However, diplomatic efforts supported by regional and international partners have since sought to reduce tensions and restore cooperation between the two countries. According to the official, Somalia’s decision to pursue these discussions may have contributed to disagreements with Eritrea.

Regional sources also indicate that Egypt has encouraged all parties to avoid publicly escalating disputes, reflecting broader concerns about stability in the Horn of Africa, a region already facing multiple security and geopolitical challenges.

Somali Military Personnel Remain in Eritrea

The official further revealed that nearly 120 Somali Air Force personnel remain in Eritrea. The trainees are among hundreds of Somali security personnel who have received military training in Eritrea over the past several years as part of bilateral security cooperation between the two countries.

Despite their continued presence, the official claimed there is currently no active communication or formal cooperation taking place between the governments of Somalia and Eritrea. He further alleged that the decision to suspend diplomatic engagement originated from the Eritrean side.

Neither the Somali government nor Eritrean authorities have publicly commented on the claims, and no official announcement regarding a suspension of relations has been issued by either government.

Historical Ties Between Mogadishu and Asmara

Relations between Somalia and Eritrea strengthened considerably during the administration of former Somali President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo. During that period, the two governments expanded security cooperation, military training programs, and political coordination on regional issues.

The official noted that Eritrea had previously hosted former President Farmaajo as well as former Prime Minister Abdi Farah Shirdon (Saacid), whom Asmara reportedly regarded as trusted political partners.

These engagements formed part of a broader regional alignment that at times included Ethiopia under former Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, creating a trilateral framework focused on security cooperation and regional integration.

However, changes in regional politics, leadership priorities, and evolving diplomatic interests have altered the political landscape, contributing to new tensions and strategic calculations among Horn of Africa states.

Why the Reported Rift Matters

Any deterioration in relations between Somalia and Eritrea could carry significant implications for regional security, military cooperation, and diplomatic coordination in the Horn of Africa.

Somalia continues to confront security challenges posed by Al-Shabaab while simultaneously managing complex relationships with neighboring countries and international partners. Maintaining balanced relations with both Ethiopia and Eritrea has long been viewed as an important element of Somalia’s foreign policy strategy.

Analysts note that a prolonged diplomatic dispute could complicate regional cooperation efforts and affect ongoing security initiatives involving military training, intelligence sharing, and broader stabilization efforts.

At the same time, Somalia’s pursuit of improved relations with Ethiopia reflects a broader effort to reduce tensions and strengthen regional cooperation following months of diplomatic friction.

While the full extent of the reported disagreement remains unclear, the claims highlight the increasingly complex geopolitical environment facing Somalia as it seeks to balance competing regional interests while advancing its national priorities.