Egypt has agreed to participate in a new African Union peacekeeping force in Somalia, responding to a request from the Somali government and in light of increasing tensions with Ethiopia. This decision aligns with Egypt’s ongoing efforts to strengthen regional alliances and emphasize Somali sovereignty amidst challenges from militant groups such as Al-Shabaab.
On Monday, Egypt’s Foreign Minister, Badr Abdelatty, announced Egypt’s participation in a new African Union (AU) peacekeeping force focused on Somalia. This decision comes as both nations strengthen their ties amidst escalating tensions with Ethiopia, particularly after Ethiopia’s maritime agreement with the breakaway region of Somaliland in January, which drew Somalia closer to Cairo, Ethiopia’s regional rival. Abdelatty confirmed that Egypt’s involvement is based on a request from the Somali government, alongside the endorsement of the AU Peace and Security Council.
This announcement was made prior to the conclusion of the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) set for December 31, paving the way for the new African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), aimed specifically at combating the Islamist militia Al-Shabaab. Moreover, Abdelatty reiterated the importance of Somalia’s territorial sovereignty and rejected any foreign impositions or actions that could undermine the nation’s unity and safety.
In a recent development, Turkey successfully mediated a resolution to the long-standing conflict between Somalia and Ethiopia, which was recognized as a significant diplomatic achievement by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and welcomed by the AU, as well as stakeholders in the U.S. and European capitals. Although Ethiopia was previously excluded from the AU peacekeeping force, Somalia expressed its enthusiasm for Egypt’s involvement.
While the foreign minister did not elaborate on Egypt’s specific contributions to the mission, he highlighted the ongoing efforts for a strategic partnership between Egypt and Somalia. This partnership has been evident since August when Egypt and Somalia formalized a military cooperation agreement during Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s visit to Cairo. Additionally, a recent summit in Asmara reinforced a new alliance among Egypt, Eritrea, and Somalia, which appears to sideline Ethiopia in regional matters. Egypt’s longstanding tensions with Ethiopia largely stem from the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam project, which Egypt asserts poses a threat to its water resources.
The announcement by Egypt’s Foreign Minister is set against a backdrop of heightened regional tensions in the Horn of Africa, particularly due to geopolitical maneuvers involving Ethiopia and Somalia. Ethiopia’s engagement with Somaliland prompted Somalia to seek alliances with its neighbors, notably Egypt. As the current peacekeeping operations transition towards a new mission aimed against the Al-Shabaab insurgents, Egypt’s involvement indicates a pivotal shift in regional security dynamics. Furthermore, the diplomatic mediation by Turkey highlights efforts to stabilize relations in the region, emphasizing the complexities involved in Somali-Ethiopian relations and the broader geopolitical landscape influenced by various external powers.
In summary, Egypt’s decision to join the new AU peacekeeping force in Somalia underscores its commitment to regional stability amid rising tensions with Ethiopia. The partnership not only emphasizes Somalia’s sovereignty but also reflects a strategic alliance with Egypt, bolstered by recent military cooperation agreements and regional summits. Furthermore, the involvement of external mediation, particularly by Turkey, showcases the intricate diplomatic landscape in the Horn of Africa.
Original Source: www.barrons.com
