Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi clarified that Egypt’s military aid to Somalia is motivated by a desire to support the country’s stability, not by regional rivalries, particularly with Ethiopia. The aid coincides with a significant arms shipment and solidifies Egypt’s commitment to enhancing Somalia’s security through cooperative agreements.
In a recent address, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi clarified the motivations behind Egypt’s military aid to Somalia, stating that this assistance is aimed at addressing Somalia’s persistent instability over the last three decades rather than in reaction to regional tensions with neighboring Ethiopia. Speaking at a police academy graduation ceremony, El-Sisi emphasized, “We do not support Somalia because of Ethiopia. We support them because they have been in a state of instability for 30 years.” The comment coincided with the delivery of a substantial cargo of military aid from the Egyptian Armed Forces to Somalia, further illustrating Egypt’s commitment to fostering stability in the country. Somalia’s Defense Minister, Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur, expressed appreciation for the support from Egypt, asserting, “We know our interests and we will choose between our allies and our enemies. Thank you, Egypt.” This transfer of military equipment marks a significant development in the defense relationship between Cairo and Mogadishu, representing one of the largest arms shipments that Somalia has received to date. The ongoing collaboration is rooted in an August defense pact and military cooperation protocol signed during a visit by Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud to Egypt. In addition to these efforts, Egypt’s Foreign Minister, Badr Abdelatty, voiced concerns at the United Nations General Assembly regarding actions that might threaten Somalia’s sovereignty, solidifying Egypt’s commitment to regional stability. President El-Sisi’s statements and actions reflect a focused intention to support Somalia’s future, projecting a hopeful outlook for the nation as it seeks to overcome its challenges.
The article discusses Egypt’s military aid strategy towards Somalia, emphasizing that the assistance is driven by a humanitarian objective rather than geopolitical rivalry. For over 30 years, Somalia has faced instability, necessitating external support to rebuild its security framework. Egypt’s increasing involvement aims to strengthen its bilateral relations with Somalia while fostering peace in a region marked by complex dynamics, particularly involving Ethiopia. The recent military transactions underscore a significant commitment to enhancing Somalia’s defense capabilities amid ongoing challenges.
In conclusion, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi’s remarks reflect Egypt’s sincere intention to aid Somalia in overcoming its lengthy period of instability. The arrival of substantial military aid and the formalization of defense agreements signify a strengthening relationship between the two nations, aimed solely at promoting security and stability within Somalia. Egypt’s position is further reinforced by its diplomatic engagement in regional discussions surrounding sovereignty and stability.
Original Source: www.garoweonline.com
