Four-nation El Alamein Declaration rejects Somaliland recognition, backs Sudan’s territorial integrity, and asserts exclusive Red Sea governance by littoral states
Leaders of Egypt, Sudan, Eritrea, and Somalia convened Sunday in New Alamein during the Alamein Africa Forum, issuing a joint declaration that significantly strengthens regional coordination on security, sovereignty, and shared strategic interests.
The quadrilateral consultative summit brought together Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, and General Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan, Chairman of Sudan’s Transitional Sovereignty Council. The leaders agreed to establish a periodic follow-up mechanism to institutionalize their coordination.
Sovereignty and Territorial Integrity
The declaration expresses unwavering support for Sudan’s unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, while explicitly rejecting “the establishment of any parallel entities” and categorically refusing any support for mercenaries in the conflict-torn nation. The leaders encouraged the resumption of a “Sudanese-owned and Sudanese-led political process”.
On Somalia, the four nations affirmed support for the federal republic’s unity and sovereignty, rejecting “any interference or actions targeting its territorial integrity.” Crucially, the declaration explicitly rejects “any recognition of or support for the so-called ‘Somaliland,'” characterizing such actions as “an infringement upon the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Somalia”.
Security and Counter-Terrorism
The summit endorsed Somalia’s counter-terrorism efforts and called for empowering state institutions to extend control over the entire national territory. The leaders urged regional and international partners to provide “adequate, sustainable, and predictable funding” for the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), supporting the security transition process and the orderly transfer of security responsibilities to Somali forces.
Red Sea Governance
The declaration affirms the principle of freedom of navigation and asserts that “governance of the Red Sea is the exclusive responsibility of the littoral states”. This position directly addresses ongoing regional tensions over Ethiopia’s pursuit of maritime access on the Red Sea, following its 2024 memorandum of understanding with Somaliland.
Water Rights and Transboundary Rivers
The leaders emphasized respect for international law governing transboundary rivers, including the Nile, particularly the principle of “no harm” and the obligation to cooperate through prior notification, consultation, and consensus. The declaration categorically rejects “any unilateral measures that harm the existing water uses of the two downstream Nile states”—Egypt and Sudan—amid their longstanding dispute with Ethiopia over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam.
Broader Regional Context
The summit took place during the Alamein Africa Forum, which hosted a series of high-level African gatherings from October 2 to 4, including the African Union’s 8th Mid-Year Coordination Meeting. President El-Sisi used the occasion to call for greater African self-reliance and integration, stating that “it is no longer enough to coordinate our positions; rather, our capabilities must be integrated”.
The four leaders agreed to continue strengthening consultation and coordination not only among themselves but also with “other sisterly African nations”. The establishment of a permanent follow-up mechanism signals the group’s intention to maintain a unified front on regional security and sovereignty issues.
