Tensions between the Horn of Africa countries increased on January 1, when Addis Ababa signed a deal with another northern region of Somalia – the breakaway territory of Somaliland – which gives landlocked Ethiopia long-sought-after access to the ocean.

Egypt’s General Intelligence Chief Major General Abbas Kamel and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Migration Dr. Badr Abdelatty visited the Eritrean capital, Asmara, on Saturday as part of Cairo’s efforts to expand its influence in the Horn of Africa and address regional crises amid growing tensions with Ethiopia.

The already volatile situation in the Horn of Africa is unlikely to subside soon as Egypt expands its role in Somalia, further raising tensions with Ethiopia.

Somalia has accused Ethiopia of supplying weapons to its northeastern Puntland region amid growing tensions between the Horn of Africa neighbours.

Somalia has accused neighbouring Ethiopia of supplying weapons to its northeastern Puntland region, which this year unilaterally declared it would act as an independent state despite protests from the central government.

Somalia's Foreign Affairs Ministry alleges Ethiopia transported two lorries carrying weapons via Ethiopian territory to the Puntland region