Egypt Intensifies Military Efforts in Somalia Ahead of Ethiopian Withdrawal Deadline
Egypt is ramping up its military mission in Somalia ahead of the December deadline for Ethiopian troop withdrawal, focusing on training Somali forces to combat Al-Shabaab. This initiative follows a military cooperation agreement established with Somalia, aiming to replace Ethiopian forces and counteract growing security threats in the region, amidst rising tensions over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam.
Egypt is intensifying its military presence in Somalia ahead of the December 31 deadline for the withdrawal of Ethiopian troops, as reported by The National. The Egyptian mission focuses on training and supporting Somali security forces in their efforts against Al-Qaeda-linked militants. Following a military cooperation agreement signed in August between Egypt and Somalia, Egyptian military personnel, including weapons, trainers, and counter-terrorism experts, have been dispatched to Mogadishu, with thousands expected to be deployed by year-end. Currently, approximately 22,000 Ethiopian troops, deployed under both a bilateral agreement and an African Union peacekeeping mandate, remain in Somalia to combat the Al-Shabaab terrorist group. However, tensions are escalating between Egypt and Ethiopia over regional issues, particularly concerning the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam and a recent agreement between Ethiopia and Somaliland that compromises Somali sovereignty. Egypt has vowed to replace Ethiopian troops in a move supported by Somali authorities, intensifying military cooperation and countering Ethiopian influence in the region. As tensions rise, Ethiopian President Taye Atske Selassie expressed concerns that external weapons could undermine security in Somalia, potentially empowering terrorist factions. In contrast, Somali Foreign Minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi accused Ethiopia of attempting to divert attention from its arms smuggling activities into Somalia. Egypt’s actions in strengthening ties with Somalia and Eritrea, particularly amid ongoing dam negotiations, reflect its strategic efforts to counteract Ethiopia’s expanding influence and assert its role in regional stability. President Abdel Fattah El Sisi emphasized Egypt’s commitment to supporting Somalia’s security and stability, indicating a broader geopolitical struggle in the Horn of Africa region.
The situation surrounding Egypt’s military involvement in Somalia is rooted in the complex relationships and ongoing tensions among Egypt, Ethiopia, and Somalia. The backdrop includes Ethiopia’s construction of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, which Egypt perceives as a threat to its vital water supply from the Nile River. The military cooperation agreement between Egypt and Somalia also coincides with Ethiopia’s troop presence in Somalia as part of a broader African Union initiative, underscoring the multifaceted security challenges in the region. The evolving dynamic points to a strategic realignment where Egypt seeks to bolster its influence and support Somali governance amid rising militant threats.
In conclusion, Egypt’s escalating military mission in Somalia is a pivotal development amidst geopolitical tensions with Ethiopia, particularly surrounding the withdrawal of Ethiopian troops and the threat posed by Al-Shabaab. Enhancing military cooperation with Somalia allows Egypt to expand its regional influence while addressing significant national security concerns related to the Nile River’s water resources. The actions taken by Egypt highlight a strategic response to both immediate security challenges and broader regional power struggles, particularly in light of ongoing dam negotiations with Ethiopia.
Original Source: www.thenationalnews.com
