Egypt to Prioritize Leadership Role in New African Union Mission…

Egypt is looking to lead a new African Union mission in Somalia to combat Al Shabab, positioning itself strategically against Ethiopia. The mission will replace the outgoing AU Transition Mission, with Egypt contributing approximately 25% of the force as it strengthens military cooperation with Somalia against a backdrop of escalating regional tensions around the Nile water dispute.

Egypt is set to assert its leadership in combating the Al Shabab threat in Somalia during discussions this weekend, emphasizing a joint approach with the Somali government regarding a forthcoming African Union (AU) mission. This initiative reflects Egypt’s strategic ambitions to enhance its influence in the Horn of Africa, particularly against Ethiopia, amid ongoing tensions surrounding the Nile dam dispute, which Cairo perceives as a significant threat to its water security. Egypt, possessing military bases in neighboring countries, has established military cooperation agreements with Somalia and other Nile basin nations, aimed at strengthening its presence and operational effectiveness in the region.

The African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (Aussom) is poised to replace the outgoing African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (Atmis), which recently concluded. Egypt’s military involvement will reportedly contribute approximately 25% of the overall AU mission, reinforcing an established military presence that already includes troop training and intelligence sharing. The discussions will address the allocation of responsibilities within the mission, ensuring that Egyptian forces replace Ethiopian troops, whose legal status in Somalia remains questionable amid the prevailing regulations.

Ministerial meetings involving Egyptian and Somali officials aim to finalize the operational framework for the mission, including deployment strategies and command hierarchies. Egypt’s determination to emphasize its military collaboration with Somalia underscores strategic maneuvers in the context of increasing tensions with Ethiopia, particularly concerning control over essential water resources derived from the Nile. The long-standing dispute between these nations has prompted Egypt to pursue a more assertive foreign policy in Africa.

The backdrop to Egypt’s intensified involvement in Somalia relates directly to its longstanding conflict with Ethiopia regarding the management of the Nile’s waters, exacerbated by the construction of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam. As a nation heavily reliant on the Nile for its freshwater supply, Egypt perceives control over this critical resource as a matter of national security. With Ethiopia’s growing influence in the region, particularly following its maritime deal with the breakaway region of Somaliland, Egypt is seeking to strengthen alliances throughout Africa. The new AU mission in Somalia represents a strategic outlet for Egypt to bolster its influence while directly addressing security concerns posed by extremist groups such as Al Shabab.

In summary, Egypt is poised to take on a significant role within the new AU mission in Somalia, focusing on the eradication of the Al Shabab threat while addressing its broader geopolitical ambitions in the Horn of Africa. By positioning itself as a principal actor in this mission, Egypt aims to counterbalance Ethiopian influence and assert its strategic interests concerning Nile water security. The upcoming discussions with Somalia will play a pivotal role in defining operational parameters that reinforce Egypt’s military presence and collaborative efforts in the region.

Original Source: www.thenationalnews.com