Egypt intends to lead a new African Union mission alongside Somalia to combat Al Shabab, which reflects its broader national strategy to assert influence in the Horn of Africa, particularly in light of its disputes with Ethiopia over Nile water security. Egypt’s military cooperation with Somalia is deepening, with forces prepared to engage in this new mission replacing the expiring AU Transition Mission.
In upcoming talks, Egypt plans to propose a joint leadership role with Somalia in a new African Union (AU) mission aimed at combating the Al Shabab terror group in Somalia. This initiative underscores Egypt’s strategic intent to enhance its influence in the Horn of Africa, particularly in the light of its ongoing rivalry with Ethiopia, given their prolonged conflict over the Nile water issue. Egypt’s military cooperation with Somalia has intensified in recent years, establishing military bases within neighboring Eritrea and Djibouti, as well as military agreements with other Nile basin countries. With the new AU mission authorized by the UN Security Council, Egypt is set to contribute approximately 25 percent of the mission’s forces, comprising elite military units already engaged in training Somali security forces against terrorism. The upcoming mission, dubbed the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (Aussom), aims to replace the previous African Union Transition Mission (Atmis), which officially concluded on December 31. Despite a thaw in relationships with Ethiopia following Turkish mediation, uncertainties remain about the status of Ethiopian troops in Somalia. Egyptian officials have reiterated their commitment to replace Ethiopian forces as part of their military cooperation agreement with Somalia. In light of their dependence on the Nile and concerns over water security, the outcome of these discussions likely bears significant implications for Egypt’s foreign policy in Africa.
Egypt’s involvement in the new AU mission in Somalia is rooted in its broader strategy to assert its influence over the Horn of Africa, an area of critical geopolitical interest amid its longstanding tensions with Ethiopia regarding shared water resources from the Nile. The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam has become a source of contention as Egypt perceives this development as a direct threat to its water security and overall survival, given that the Nile is essential for its freshwater supply. As Egypt has faced years of unsuccessful negotiations regarding the dam’s operation, it has pursued deeper ties with various African nations to bolster its strategic standing.
The upcoming discussions between Egypt and Somalia highlight Cairo’s ambition to play a pivotal role in African security and stability through the collaborative AU mission to combat Al Shabab. The outcome of these negotiations may not only shape the future of military cooperation between the two nations but may also influence the dynamics of Egypt’s relations with Ethiopia, particularly regarding the contentious issue of Nile water sovereignty. Egypt’s concerted efforts to strengthen its military presence in Somalia signal a robust strategy aimed at not only countering terrorist threats but also solidifying its influence across the African continent.
Original Source: www.thenationalnews.com
