Egypt Reinforces Military Support in Somalia Amid Ethiopian Troop Withdrawal
Egypt is enhancing its military mission in Somalia ahead of the withdrawal of Ethiopian troops, focusing on training Somali forces and combating Al Qaeda-linked militants. This initiative follows a military co-operation agreement between Egypt and Somalia and is marked by the deployment of Egyptian personnel and resources to bolster security in the region. Tensions with Ethiopia over its Nile dam project and military presence in Somalia underscore the strategic dynamics at play as Egypt seeks to replace Ethiopian forces and stabilize the Horn of Africa.
Egypt is intensifying its military operations in Somalia ahead of the December 31 deadline for the withdrawal of Ethiopian troops from the region. As reported by sources to The National, Cairo is actively training and supporting Somali security forces in their fight against Al Qaeda-linked militants. The military collaboration, which commenced with a significant co-operation agreement signed in August, has seen Egypt dispatch arms, military advisors, trainers, and counter-terrorism commandos to Mogadishu. The expected involvement of thousands of Egyptian personnel in Somalia reflects Cairo’s commitment to the mission. Currently, approximately 22,000 Ethiopian troops are stationed in Somalia under a bilateral accord and as part of an African Union peacekeeping initiative aimed at combating Al Shabaab. Tensions between Egypt and Ethiopia have escalated, particularly regarding Ethiopia’s construction of a dam on the Nile River, which Egypt asserts threatens its water supply. Additionally, Somalia has raised sovereignty concerns over a recent deal between Ethiopia and Somaliland that grants access to a port on the Red Sea. Egypt plans to replace the Ethiopian peacekeepers, a maneuver supported by Somalia. Reports indicate that forces backed by Egypt have already been positioned along supply routes to curtail any potential Ethiopian troop reinforcements prior to the impending withdrawal. Following Egypt’s military reinvigoration in Somalia, Ethiopia has augmented its troop presence to 22,000. Ethiopian officials have voiced concerns regarding Egypt’s military involvement, suggesting it could exacerbate security issues within Somalia. In response, Somali officials have suggested that Ethiopia’s accusations are an attempt to obscure its own illicit arms smuggling activities. The broader context of this military engagement underscores Egypt’s ongoing efforts to assert its influence in the Horn of Africa, particularly concerning the management of the Nile and regional security dynamics. The culmination of these developments was evident in a recent summit in Eritrea, where Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El Sisi affirmed Egypt’s commitment to supporting Somalia in restoring security and stability. He stated, “We discussed practical suggestions to offer this help. Egypt will spare no effort nor withhold advice that serves the objectives of our peoples and the aspirations of our nations in the Horn of Africa.”
The article outlines the escalating military collaboration between Egypt and Somalia, set against the backdrop of Ethiopia’s presence in Somalia and the increasing tensions related to Nile water rights and regional security. As both Egypt and Somalia risk strained relations with Ethiopia—primarily due to Ethiopia’s dam construction and territorial agreements with the breakaway region of Somaliland—this military build-up serves not only immediate security interests against militant groups like Al Shabaab but also broader geopolitical objectives in the Nile Basin. The historical context of relations among these nations, particularly the impact of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, is crucial for understanding the motivations behind Egypt’s actions and alliances in the Horn of Africa.
In summary, Egypt’s military expansion in Somalia is a strategic move aimed at ensuring regional security while concurrently addressing its concerns regarding Ethiopia’s influence and ongoing tensions over Nile water rights. The planned replacement of Ethiopian troops with Egyptian support reflects both nations’ shared interests in countering aligned threats from militant organizations. Furthermore, the broader implications of this military collaboration resonate with ongoing negotiations concerning the Nile, indicating that these developments are deeply intertwined with the larger geopolitical landscape of East Africa. The involvement of Egypt in this context reaffirms its desire to strengthen alliances and assert its influence amid increasing regional complexities.
Original Source: www.thenationalnews.com
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