Egypt will participate in a new African Union peacekeeping force in Somalia, as announced by Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty, affirming Somalia’s sovereignty amid rising tensions with Ethiopia. This decision also highlights Egypt’s strategic partnership with Somalia and its opposition to Ethiopian involvement in the region. The new mission aims to counter the Al-Shabaab insurgency following the conclusion of the previous AU mission.
On Monday, Egypt’s Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty announced the country’s commitment to joining a new African Union (AU) peacekeeping force in Somalia. This decision was made following a request from the Somali government and was endorsed by the AU Peace and Security Council. The move comes amidst increasing tensions in the Horn of Africa, particularly after Ethiopia’s maritime agreement with Somaliland, which has drawn Somalia closer to its regional rival, Egypt.
The timing of Egypt’s announcement is significant as it precedes the end of the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), set to conclude on December 31. The new mission is aimed at combating the Islamist Al-Shabaab insurgency and will be known as the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM). During a press conference held in Cairo alongside Somali counterpart Ahmed Moalim Fiqi, Abdelatty emphasized Somalia’s sovereignty and condemned any actions that threaten its unity and integrity.
Additionally, the announcement follows Turkey’s recent mediation that resolved a prolonged dispute between Somalia and Ethiopia, an outcome praised by regional and international entities including the African Union and the United States. Earlier, Somalia had indicated that Ethiopian troops would not be part of the peacekeeping force, yet welcomed Egypt’s participation. While the specifics of Egypt’s role remain unclear, the Egyptian administration continues to forge strategic alliances in the region, reinforced by a military cooperation agreement established in August during the visit of Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.
In October, the formation of a regional alliance involving Egypt, Eritrea, and Somalia further highlighted the growing collaboration aimed at regional stability, largely viewed as a move to counter Ethiopian influence, particularly concerning the significant Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam on the Blue Nile, which Cairo perceives as a threat to its water security.
The announcement of Egypt’s involvement in the new AU peacekeeping force in Somalia is set against a backdrop of heightened geopolitical tension in the Horn of Africa, particularly in light of Ethiopia’s recently signed maritime deal with Somaliland. This development has prompted Somalia to seek closer ties with Egypt, which has been at odds with Ethiopia over issues such as the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, leading to regional shifts in alliances. The new peacekeeping initiative responds to ongoing threats posed by the Al-Shabaab insurgency, while indicating Somalia’s desire for sovereignty and stability amidst external pressures.
Egypt’s decision to participate in the new African Union peacekeeping mission in Somalia underscores a significant shift in regional alliances in response to escalating tensions with Ethiopia. This move coincides with a broader strategy aimed at enhancing collaborative security efforts among Horn of Africa nations. As Somalia’s relationship with Egypt continues to strengthen, it signals a collective effort to address the formidable challenges posed by extremist groups while asserting national sovereignty against foreign influences.
Original Source: www.barrons.com
