Egypt is significantly expanding its military mission in Somalia ahead of the December 31 deadline for Ethiopian troop withdrawal. The collaboration includes training Somali forces and dispatching military resources amid escalating tensions between Egypt and Ethiopia over water rights and regional dynamics. Egypt aims to replace Ethiopian peacekeepers and increase its strategic influence in the region.
Egypt is actively expanding its military operations in Somalia in preparation for the upcoming deadline of December 31, 2024, when Ethiopian troops are expected to withdraw from the country. This strategic initiative includes the training and support of Somali security forces engaged in combating Al Qaeda-linked militants, as reported by The National. In August, Egypt and Somalia formalized a significant military cooperation agreement, leading to the dispatch of weapons, military advisers, trainers, and counter-terrorism commandos to Mogadishu. Reports indicate that the involvement of Egyptian personnel could reach thousands by the year’s end. Ethiopia currently maintains around 22,000 troops in Somalia as part of a bilateral agreement and an African Union peacekeeping mission aimed at mitigating Al Shabab’s influence. Relations between Egypt, Somalia, and Ethiopia have soured, exacerbated by Egypt’s concerns regarding the Nile dam, constructed by Ethiopia, which Cairo believes jeopardizes its water supply. Somalia has expressed discontent with Ethiopia’s recent agreements with the breakaway region of Somaliland, which grant Ethiopia access to a port on the Red Sea, viewed as a violation of Somalia’s sovereignty. Egypt has announced intentions to replace Ethiopian peacekeepers following their withdrawal, a transition supported by Somali officials. To preclude any Ethiopian troop reinforcements, elements of the Somali forces aligned with Egypt have already secured logistics routes utilized by the Ethiopian troops. Following Egypt’s military deployments, Ethiopia increased its troop presence by approximately 7,000 men. Ethiopia maintains that its agreements with Somaliland are necessary for securing shipping routes and enhancing regional stability and has issued concerns regarding arms supplied by external forces potentially reaching terrorist groups such as Al Shabab. In response to Ethiopia’s accusations, Somali Foreign Minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi remarked that Ethiopia’s assertions were efforts to mask illicit arms trafficking into Somalia, which he suggested might fall into the hands of dangerous entities. Emphasising the significance of the Nile to Egypt and the enduring tensions over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El Sisi has sought to rally support from other Nile basin nations to exert pressure on Ethiopia for a binding agreement regarding the dam’s operation. Recent diplomatic engagements, including discussions with leaders from Somalia and Eritrea, indicate Egypt’s strategic intent to fortify its partnerships and mediate regional stability in the Horn of Africa. These developments underscore Egypt’s proactive stance in military and diplomatic affairs as it navigates the complex geopolitical landscape.
The article discusses Egypt’s military involvement in Somalia amid rising tensions with Ethiopia, related to troop withdrawals and regional security. The backdrop includes historical grievances over the Nile dam constructed by Ethiopia, which Egypt fears could threaten its water access. Additionally, Somalia’s sovereignty concerns regarding agreements between Ethiopia and Somaliland further complicate the situation. The article highlights military cooperation between Egypt and Somalia, the strategic implications of troop deployments, and the broader geopolitical dynamics at play in the Horn of Africa.
In conclusion, Egypt’s military build-up in Somalia is a critical response to the impending Ethiopian troop withdrawal. This development reflects deepening ties between Egypt and Somalia against a backdrop of rising tensions with Ethiopia over the Nile dam and territorial sovereignty issues. As Egypt increases its military presence and support for Somali forces, the situation underscores a significant geopolitical shift in the region, aimed at strengthening security and leveraging influence in the Horn of Africa amidst complex challenges.
Original Source: www.thenationalnews.com
