Egypt is intensifying its military mission in Somalia before the December deadline for Ethiopian troop withdrawal, providing significant support to Somali forces against militants as tensions rise due to Ethiopia’s actions regarding the Nile dam and regional sovereignty issues.
Cairo is enhancing its military presence in Somalia prior to the impending December 31 deadline for Ethiopian troops to depart the country. According to sources from The National, Egypt is actively training and supporting Somali security forces against Al Qaeda-affiliated threats. Following a pivotal military cooperation agreement with Somalia in August, Egypt has dispatched various military assets including arms, advisors, trainers, and counter-terrorism units to Mogadishu. It is anticipated that thousands of Egyptian personnel will be involved in this military operation by year’s end, coinciding with Ethiopia’s estimated 22,000 troops stationed in Somalia under a bilateral accord and as part of an African Union peacekeeping initiative against Al Shabab. Tensions escalate as both Egypt and Somalia find themselves in stark opposition to Ethiopia, which has been accused of compromising Egypt’s access to vital Nile water through the construction of a dam. In addition, Somalia contends that an agreement between Ethiopia and Somaliland threatens its sovereignty. With the deadline for Ethiopian troop withdrawal approaching, Egypt has voiced intentions to replace these forces, a move endorsed by Somalia. Defensive measures have reportedly been initiated by some Somali forces supported by Egypt to obstruct any attempts by Ethiopia to reinforce its military presence before the deadline. In light of these developments, Ethiopia responded by increasing its troop levels in Somalia, fearing that external military involvement may destabilize the already fragile security landscape. Ethiopian President Taye Atske Selassie expressed concerns regarding the influx of arms from external entities, which he believed could escalate violence and empower terror groups such as Al Shabab. In contrast, Somali Foreign Minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi attributed Ethiopia’s criticisms to their efforts at concealing illegal arms smuggling across Somali borders. This heightened military tension underscores underlying diplomatic frictions, particularly surrounding the controversial Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El Sisi emphasized the importance of the Nile to Egyptian survival during recent discussions, advocating for a cooperative approach towards resolving the dam dispute. Amid these geopolitical maneuvers, Egypt’s military initiatives in Somalia and strengthened relations with Eritrea signal a determined strategy to pressure Ethiopia into cooperation regarding the Nile water usage. At a recently held summit in Asmara, El Sisi reaffirmed Egypt’s commitment to supporting Somalia’s sovereignty and security, asserting the nation’s role as a supportive partner in the region.
The current military escalation by Egypt in Somalia is rooted in broader geopolitical tensions in the Horn of Africa, particularly concerning the presence of Ethiopian troops due to the region’s complex security situation. Egypt’s historical reliance on the Nile River for water has exacerbated its concerns regarding Ethiopia’s Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, which threatens to reduce Egypt’s water supply. In this context, Egypt’s military cooperation with Somalia, including the training and support of local security forces, represents a strategic initiative to counterbalance Ethiopian influence in the region while also enhancing security against terrorism.
In summary, Egypt’s military engagement in Somalia comes at a critical juncture, coinciding with the impending withdrawal of Ethiopian troops. This move reflects not only a response to regional security challenges posed by militant groups but also an assertion of Cairo’s influence amid rising tensions with Addis Ababa over the Nile waters. With diplomatic relations fraying, Egypt’s strategic military positioning aims to bolster Somalia’s stability while applying pressure on Ethiopia regarding its water management policies.
Original Source: www.thenationalnews.com
