Egypt is hosting the leaders of Eritrea, Sudan and Somalia in New Alamein on Sunday for talks on regional security as fighting in Ethiopia’s Tigray region intensifies.
The Egyptian presidency said the consultative summit would focus on coordination over regional issues of common interest. The meeting brings together Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Sudanese army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan.
Ethiopia tensions form the backdrop
The summit is taking place as Ethiopian federal forces retake Mekelle from Tigrayan rebels. Addis Ababa has accused Egypt, Eritrea and Sudan of backing the Tigray opposition alliance. The three countries deny the allegation.
Egypt and Ethiopia are also locked in a long-running dispute over Nile water and the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam. Eritrea recently broke diplomatic ties with Ethiopia, adding another layer to regional tensions.
Red Sea security also on the agenda
Egypt has expanded military cooperation with Somalia, Sudan and Eritrea in recent years. Regional officials say Red Sea security and cross-border stability are among the issues being discussed.
The Egyptian presidency has not announced a formal military pact arising from Sunday’s summit.
Sources: Egyptian presidency; Reuters reporting cited by regional outlets; Egypt State Information Service, Oct. 3-4, 2026.
