Egypt intends to lead a new African Union mission in Somalia to combat Al Shabab and strengthen its influence in the Horn of Africa. This mission follows ongoing tensions with Ethiopia regarding Nile water security, as Egypt seeks to bolster military cooperation with Somalia and other Nile basin states. The mission is expected to replace the previous AU Transition Mission in Somalia as Egypt positions its military support strategically against threats in the region.
Egypt is set to assert its desire to collaboratively lead a new African Union (AU) mission in Somalia during discussions with Somali officials this weekend. This initiative is anticipated as a pivotal movement for Egypt to enhance its presence and strategic influence in the Horn of Africa, particularly in countering Ethiopian power amid ongoing disputes over the Nile waters. Recently, Egypt has developed military ties with various Nile basin nations, including Somalia, bolstering its defense capabilities in the region.
Egypt’s military involvement in Somalia already includes training Somali security forces in counterterrorism and providing arms and intelligence support. The upcoming AU operation, formally known as the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (Aussom), aims to combat the Al Shabab militant group following the expiration of the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (Atmis). Notable changes also arise from strained relationships between Somalia and Ethiopia due to Ethiopia’s maritime agreement with Somaliland, which Somalia perceives as infringement on its sovereignty.
Somalia has expressed its preference to exclude Ethiopian troops from the new AU mission, citing inadequate efforts to mitigate the Al Shabab threat. Although tensions have eased somewhat due to Turkish mediation, Somalia remains cautious regarding Ethiopian military presence. The Egyptian contingent in the new mission is expected to represent approximately 25% of its forces, with discussions ongoing about troop sizes and operational roles.
The conflict over the Nile River’s water puts Cairo in a precarious geopolitical position, as Egypt depends heavily on the Nile for its freshwater supply. Relations with Ethiopia have worsened in light of Ethiopia’s construction of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, which Egypt views as a direct threat to its water security. In response to these tensions, Egypt has increasingly sought collaboration with African nations, notably those in the Nile basin. The new AU mission underscores Egypt’s ambition to both stabilize Somalia and expand its influence in the region amidst its rivalry with Ethiopia.
In summary, Egypt’s intention to take a leading role in the new African Union mission in Somalia highlights its strategic efforts to expand its influence in the Horn of Africa while addressing regional security challenges posed by Al Shabab. This initiative also emerges against the backdrop of Egypt’s long-standing disputes with Ethiopia over Nile waters, revealing the complexities of African geopolitics in the context of counterterrorism and national security.
Original Source: www.thenationalnews.com
