Egypt is intensifying its military operations in Somalia ahead of the December deadline for Ethiopian troop withdrawal, providing weapons and training to Somali forces against Al Qaeda-linked threats. The military cooperation agreement signed earlier this year has led to thousands of Egyptian personnel being deployed. Relationships among Egypt, Somalia, and Ethiopia have grown increasingly tense due to the Nile dam concerns and Ethiopia’s military agreements with Somaliland.
In anticipation of the December 31 deadline for Ethiopian troop withdrawal from Somalia, Egypt is significantly augmenting its military mission in the region. As reported by The National, Cairo is not only assisting in the training of Somali security forces but is also actively involved in combat operations against Al Qaeda-affiliated militants. Following a pivotal military cooperation agreement signed in August, Egypt has dispatched weaponry, military advisors, trainers, and specialized counter-terrorism units to Mogadishu. Sources indicate that by the end of the year, thousands of Egyptian personnel are expected to be part of this military initiative. Ethiopia currently maintains approximately 22,000 troops in Somalia, operating under a bilateral agreement and as part of an African Union peacekeeping force aimed at combating Al Shabab. Relations between Egypt, Somalia, and Ethiopia have become increasingly strained, particularly over the construction of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, which Cairo claims threatens its water security. Additionally, Somalia has voiced concerns regarding Ethiopia’s recent agreement with the breakaway region of Somaliland, which grants Ethiopia access to a Red Sea port, infringing upon Somalia’s sovereignty. Egypt has expressed its intention to replace the Ethiopian peacekeepers with the support of Somali officials. In preparation for this transition, some Somali troops trained by Egypt have been strategically deployed along supply routes used by the Ethiopian forces, to deter any attempts by Addis Ababa to reinforce its military presence prior to the withdrawal deadline. Notably, in response to Egypt’s military actions, Ethiopia has responded by increasing its troop deployment in the region. Ethiopian President Taye Atske Selassie has raised concerns over the introduction of foreign arms into Somalia, suggesting that they may exacerbate an already fragile security situation. Conversely, Somali Foreign Minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi attributed Ethiopia’s criticisms to an effort to deflect attention from its own alleged illegal arms smuggling activities in Somalia. Egypt’s strategic military endeavors in Somalia, combined with its strengthened ties with Eritrea, signal a robust resolve to compel Ethiopia to negotiate on the dam issue. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El Sisi has articulated the critical importance of the Nile River to Egypt’s national survival, emphasizing that the country will provide unwavering support to Somalia to enhance its security.
The backdrop of this military buildup by Egypt in Somalia is deeply rooted in the geopolitical tensions surrounding the Nile River and its resources. The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), which Ethiopia has been constructing, has sparked significant concern in Cairo regarding its potential impact on Egypt’s vital water supply. The situation is further complicated by Somalia’s recent agreements with Ethiopia that have implications for its sovereignty. Egypt’s military involvement in Somalia represents a proactive approach to fostering regional stability, countering terrorism, and enhancing its influence at a time when its water security is at stake. The involvement of Egyptian forces in Somalia aligns with its broader strategy to address the challenges posed by Ethiopian policies and strengthen alliances within the Horn of Africa.
In conclusion, Egypt’s expanding military mission in Somalia underscores its commitment to regional stability and counter-terrorism efforts while simultaneously addressing the pressing concerns related to Ethiopian military presence and the implications of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam. This initiative reflects Cairo’s strategic interests in asserting its influence in the Horn of Africa and mitigating potential threats to its water security whence it actively engages with Somalia and Eritrea. With the impending Ethiopian troop withdrawal, Egypt’s actions will likely have significant ramifications for the security dynamics in the region.
Original Source: www.thenationalnews.com
