Egypt is ramping up its military mission in Somalia ahead of the Ethiopian troop withdrawal deadline, training Somali security forces against Al-Qaeda-linked groups. Following a military cooperation agreement in August, Egypt has dispatched military personnel and arms, escalating tensions with Ethiopia, which has increased its troop presence. Egypt’s involvement is seen as a strategic response to both regional security threats and its ongoing water dispute with Ethiopia.
Egypt is actively enhancing its military presence in Somalia in anticipation of the upcoming December 31 deadline for the withdrawal of Ethiopian troops from the country. According to sources cited by The National, this military mission entails Egypt training and supporting Somali security forces in combating Al-Qaeda-affiliated groups. In August, Egypt and Somalia formalized a military cooperation agreement, which has facilitated the dispatch of military advisors, arms, and counter-terrorism commandos to Mogadishu, with expectations that thousands of Egyptian personnel will participate by year-end. Ethiopia currently has approximately 22,000 troops stationed in Somalia, a contingent that operates under a bilateral agreement and as part of an African Union peacekeeping initiative aimed at tackling Al-Shabaab militants. The relationship between Egypt, Somalia, and Ethiopia has deteriorated, particularly over issues relating to Ethiopia’s dam constructions on the Nile, which Egypt believes will adversely affect its water supply. Concurrently, Somalia has expressed its concerns regarding Ethiopia’s recent agreements with the breakaway region of Somaliland that potentially infringe upon its sovereignty. In a significant development, Ethiopia has reportedly bolstered its military presence in Somalia in response to Egypt’s military actions. Ethiopian President Taye Atske Selassie previously voiced concerns that external military involvement might destabilize Somalia further and empower terrorist groups, specifically referencing Al-Shabaab. In a counterstatement, Somali Foreign Minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi dismissed Ethiopia’s claims as attempts to obscure its own alleged weapon smuggling activities. Amidst escalating tensions, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El Sisi reaffirmed Egypt’s commitment to supporting Somalia’s security capabilities and strengthening bilateral ties with Eritrea, in a bid to exert pressure on Ethiopia regarding the Nile dam disputes. Recent talks in Asmara showcased Egypt’s dedication to restoring stability in Somalia and addressing broader regional security concerns. Historically, relations between Egypt and Eritrea have been strained due to Eritrea’s support for Ethiopia against various separatist groups, yet the alignment on military cooperation highlights a shared interest in countering Ethiopian influence in the Horn of Africa.
The ongoing military endeavors by Egypt in Somalia form part of a broader strategic initiative aimed at countering the influence of Ethiopia in the Horn of Africa, particularly in the context of the African Union’s peacekeeping mission. This situation is further exacerbated by Egypt’s concerns over water security stemming from Ethiopian infrastructural projects, notably the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, which has sparked significant regional contention. The complexities also extend to Somalia’s internal security challenges and Ethiopia’s agreements with Somaliland, thereby complicating the geopolitical landscape of the region.
In conclusion, Egypt’s fortification of its military engagement in Somalia underscores its strategic imperatives against Ethiopia’s rising regional influence and security concerns related to the ongoing conflict with Al-Shabaab. As this situation evolves, it reflects the intricate dynamics of regional politics, marked by military collaborations, sovereignty issues, and tense diplomatic relations. The continued developments in this sphere will be pivotal in shaping the security landscape of the Horn of Africa moving forward.
Original Source: www.thenationalnews.com
