Isaias Afwerki Blames Foreign Powers for Chaos in Horn of Africa and Red Sea

Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki has accused foreign powers of fueling instability across the Horn of Africa, the Red Sea region, and the wider African continent. Speaking in an interview with Egypt’s Al Qahera News during a five-day official visit to Cairo, Isaias said that international intervention has “complicated” regional conflicts and undermined local efforts for peace.

The visit, which concluded Tuesday, included high-level talks with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi. Both leaders held what they described as “comprehensive discussions” aimed at strengthening political, economic, and security cooperation between their countries. President El-Sisi reaffirmed Egypt’s “firm commitment to supporting Eritrea’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,” while Isaias praised Cairo’s contribution to regional stability.

According to Eritrea’s Ministry of Information, the two sides reviewed the progress of previous agreements and explored new areas of cooperation in investment and development. They emphasized the “historical depth” of Eritrea–Egypt relations and pledged to enhance coordination on regional and international issues of mutual concern.

In his televised remarks, President Isaias argued that ongoing instability in countries such as Somalia, Ethiopia, and South Sudan is “not only internal but also regional and global.” He warned that continued foreign intervention — including through special envoys and international missions — risks making these crises “intractable.”

“The responsibility is primarily internal,” he said. “No organization, big or small, regional or global, should intervene in the internal affairs of nations. This interference has continued for more than 80 years and only complicates local situations.”

On maritime security, Isaias called for Red Sea nations to “take ownership” of their waters, stressing that coastal states — not foreign militaries — must secure the vital international waterway. “Eritrea can secure its coastline, and so can Somalia, Yemen, Djibouti, Sudan, and Saudi Arabia,” he said. “Foreign bases only bring more problems and complications.”

Isaias’s Cairo visit came amid heightened regional tensions following Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s renewed statements asserting Ethiopia’s right to Red Sea access. Analysts view Asmara’s intensified diplomatic outreach, including coordination with Egypt and Somalia, as part of its strategy to shape regional dynamics amid shifting alliances in the Red Sea and Horn of Africa.