Egypt is enhancing its military mission in Somalia as the December withdrawal deadline for Ethiopian troops approaches. This includes the deployment of military advisers and equipment to train Somali forces against Al Shabab. The situation is set against a backdrop of rising tensions between Ethiopia, Egypt, and Somalia over regional security and the Nile River dispute, with Egypt emphasizing its support for Somalia’s stability.
Egypt is intensifying its military presence in Somalia ahead of the December 31 deadline for the withdrawal of Ethiopian troops from the country. Sources indicate that Cairo is not only deploying military advisers and supplies but is also engaged in training Somali security forces to combat Al Qaeda-affiliated militants. Since signing a significant military cooperation agreement with Somalia in August, Egypt has reportedly dispatched weapons, military trainers, and specialized commandos to Mogadishu. By the year’s end, thousands of Egyptian military personnel are expected to be involved in this mission. This strategic move comes amidst tensions between Egypt and Ethiopia, with Ethiopia currently maintaining approximately 22,000 troops in Somalia under a bilateral agreement as part of an African Union peacekeeping effort targeting Al Shabab. Both Egypt and Somalia have expressed concerns about Ethiopia’s maneuvers, particularly regarding a port access agreement with Somaliland, which Somalia sees as a breach of its sovereignty. Furthermore, Egypt has publicly expressed its intention to replace the Ethiopian peacekeepers following their withdrawal, an action supported by the Somali government. Meanwhile, Ethiopia has reinforced its military presence in Somalia, citing concerns over the influx of arms from external sources into a region beset by security challenges. In a formal discourse, Ethiopian officials have assured Cairo that the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam will not impinge upon Egypt’s water rights, despite ongoing negotiations yielding no concrete resolutions. Recently, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El Sisi reaffirmed Egypt’s commitment to supporting Somalia’s stability. In conjunction with these military initiatives, Egypt is deepening its diplomatic relations in the Horn of Africa, particularly with Eritrea, enhancing collaborative security efforts in light of Ethiopia’s shifting political landscape.
Egypt’s military buildup in Somalia is framed against a backdrop of regional tensions, largely stemming from disputes involving the Nile River and the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, which Egypt contends threatens its vital water resources. Historically fraught relations between Ethiopia, Egypt, and Somalia have intensified, particularly due to Ethiopia’s extensive military presence in Somalia intended to maintain stability in the face of terrorism linked to Al Shabab. The military cooperation agreement between Egypt and Somalia is a crucial development indicative of broader geopolitical shifts in the Horn of Africa, as local nations align their military efforts against perceived Ethiopian aggression and external militant threats. Moreover, ongoing discussions regarding the Nile River’s management underscore the strategic importance of water security in the region. Egypt has actively sought alliances with other nations in the Nile basin to fortify its stance against Ethiopian construction projects that affect water flow.
In conclusion, Egypt’s military escalation in Somalia underscores strategic decisions aimed at asserting its influence and enhancing security in a region marked by complex geopolitical rivalries. The alignment with Somalia, alongside growing relations with Eritrea, reflects Cairo’s commitment to mitigating the perceived threats posed by Ethiopia’s military presence and water management policies. As the withdrawal deadline for Ethiopian troops approaches, the implications of these developments could significantly reshape the security dynamics within the Horn of Africa, necessitating ongoing diplomatic engagement and possible military exchanges.
Original Source: www.thenationalnews.com
