Egypt Enhances Military Operations in Somalia Ahead of Ethiopian Withdrawal Deadline
Egypt is ramping up its military mission in Somalia ahead of Ethiopia’s troop withdrawal deadline on December 31, enhancing training for Somali forces against Al Qaeda-linked groups while increasing tensions over the Nile dam dispute with Ethiopia. Both nations have expressed contrasting views on military actions in Somalia, as regional politics continue to evolve amid ongoing negotiations on water rights and security agreements.
Egypt is intensifying its military engagement in Somalia ahead of the impending deadline for the withdrawal of Ethiopian forces by December 31. This mission, as reported by sources to The National, includes extensive training and support for Somali security personnel to combat Al Qaeda-affiliated insurgents. In August, Egypt and Somalia cemented their military collaboration through a significant agreement, which has since facilitated the deployment of Egyptian advisors, military equipment, and special forces to Mogadishu. Reports indicate that by year-end, thousands of Egyptian personnel may be active within Somalia. Currently, approximately 22,000 Ethiopian troops are stationed in Somalia, deployed as part of an African Union peacekeeping initiative as well as a bilateral agreement aimed at assisting Somalia in countering Al Shabab. Egypt and Somalia’s alignment against Ethiopia is underscored by Cairo’s grievances regarding the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, which it claims threatens its vital water supply from the Nile River. Relations among the three nations have been strained, especially following Ethiopia’s recent pact with the breakaway region of Somaliland, granting it port access to the Red Sea, which Somalia claims infringes on its sovereignty. Egypt has committed to assuming the role currently held by Ethiopian forces following their withdrawal, a move welcomed by Somali officials. In anticipation of this transition, some Somali forces are reportedly collaborating with Egyptian advisors and have been positioned strategically along the supply routes utilized by Ethiopian troops to deter any unexpected troop reinforcements before the withdrawal deadline. In response to Egypt’s military activities, Ethiopia has reportedly augmented its troop presence, raising concerns about the potential for weaponry supplied by foreign entities to escalate violence in a region long fraught with instability. Ethiopian President Taye Atske Selassie expressed apprehension about the risk of external arms reaching terrorist groups, while Somali Foreign Minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi countered that Ethiopia’s accusations were aimed at obscuring its involvement in the smuggling of weapons into Somalia. Ethiopia has consistently maintained that the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam will not jeopardize Egypt’s or Sudan’s water interests, reiterating its commitment to regional stability amid ongoing negotiations that have yet to yield a binding agreement on dam operations. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El Sisi stressed the Nile River’s integral role in Egypt’s survival during a recent online conference.
The military mission by Egypt in Somalia is shaping up to be a significant maneuver in the geopolitics of the Horn of Africa. With the December deadline for Ethiopian troop withdrawal looming, Egypt is reinforcing its presence in Somalia through a formal military cooperation agreement signed in August. This comes at a time of heightened tension between Egypt and Ethiopia, primarily over the controversial Nile dam project, which Egypt perceives as a threat to its water security. Additionally, Somalia’s relationship with Ethiopia has soured, particularly following Ethiopia’s agreements expanding its influence in Somaliland—a move denounced by Somali officials as an infringement on their sovereignty. The complex interplay of military presence, regional agreements, and long-standing grievances presents a volatile mix in the region’s security dynamics.
In summary, Egypt’s buildup of military personnel and resources in Somalia marks a pivotal shift in the regional security landscape. With preparations underway to replace Ethiopian troops and address the threat posed by insurgents like Al Shabab, Egypt aims to strengthen its role in the Horn of Africa amidst ongoing disputes with Ethiopia over critical water resources and territorial sovereignty. The situation remains fluid, with the potential for escalated tensions as the December withdrawal deadline approaches.
Original Source: www.thenationalnews.com
