Friday September 27, 2024
FILE - Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi (right) shakes hands with Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud (left) during a recent meeting in Cairo, underscoring the growing diplomatic and defence ties between Egypt and Somalia.
Mogadishu (HOL) — Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi has reaffirmed Egypt's commitment to defending Somalia, stressing the nation's vital role within the Arab League and warning that no one will be permitted to threaten its sovereignty. His comments come at a time of increasing military and political tensions in the Horn of Africa, where Egypt's expanding involvement is reshaping regional dynamics.
"We are not issuing threats, but we will not tolerate anyone threatening Somalia," el-Sisi said during a televised address. He highlighted Somalia's right to collective defence as outlined in the Arab League Charter and emphasized Egypt's readiness to offer assistance should Somalia request support to protect its national integrity.
El-Sisi's statement follows Egypt's second weapons shipment to Somalia in less than a month, delivered by an Egyptian warship on September 23. The shipment, reportedly including anti-aircraft guns and artillery, suggests a potential escalation of military activity in the Horn of Africa. Egypt's growing military backing for Somalia has sparked concerns among regional players, particularly Ethiopia.
Egypt and Somalia have drawn closer in recent months, with both countries distancing themselves from Ethiopia. Cairo's tensions with Addis Ababa have escalated due to the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), which Egypt views as a threat to its water supply. The dispute remains unresolved despite multiple rounds of negotiations, including U.S.-mediated talks in 2019.
The regional tensions can be traced to a January MoU signed by Ethiopia and Somaliland, a self-declared independent region that Somalia claims as part of its territory. The agreement, which would allow Ethiopia to lease land for a port, has further strained relations between Ethiopia and Somalia, as Mogadishu opposes any recognition of Somaliland's independence.
Somaliland, which shares a border with Ethiopia, has voiced concerns that Egypt's weapons shipments to Somalia could destabilize the region. Officials in Somaliland warned that the arms could potentially fall into the hands of militant groups like al-Shabaab, heightening security risks across the Horn of Africa.