Egypt’s Foreign Minister announced the country’s participation in a new AU peacekeeping force in Somalia, prompted by a Somali request amidst tensions with Ethiopia. As the current AU mission concludes, a new mission focused on combating Al-Shabaab insurgents is to commence. The move aligns Egypt and Somalia closer amid regional tensions heightened by Ethiopia’s maritime agreements, excluding Ethiopian troops from the force. Minister Abdelatty emphasized Somalia’s sovereignty and the development of strategic partnerships between the two nations.
On Monday, Egypt’s Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty announced that Egypt will contribute to a newly established African Union (AU) peacekeeping force in Somalia, amid escalating tensions with Ethiopia. This decision is a response to a request from the Somali government and aligns with the approval from the AU Peace and Security Council. The statement came during a joint press conference in Cairo with Somali Foreign Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi.
The backdrop to this development includes heightened tensions in the Horn of Africa, particularly after Ethiopia entered a maritime agreement with the self-declared independent region of Somaliland earlier this year, intensifying Somalia’s alignment with Egypt against Ethiopia’s regional ambitions. The current AU Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) is set to conclude on December 31, transitioning to the new African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) that aims to address threats from the Islamist group Al-Shabaab.
Minister Abdelatty reiterated Egypt’s support for Somalia’s sovereignty, asserting that Egypt rejects any actions that compromise Somalia’s unity and security. Turkey recently facilitated a resolution to ongoing disputes between Somalia and Ethiopia, a move described by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan as “historic,” and which received positive acknowledgment from international stakeholders, including the African Union.
Somalia expressed that Ethiopian forces would not participate in the AU peacekeeping initiative, welcoming Egypt’s involvement instead. While details regarding the extent of Egypt’s contribution remain unspecified, Minister Abdelatty highlighted ongoing efforts to forge a strategic partnership between the two nations. Notably, Egypt strengthened military ties with Somalia during a visit from Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud this past August and participated in a trilateral summit with Eritrea and Somalia in October, aimed at regional cohesion and possibly sidelining Ethiopia.
Furthermore, Egypt’s long-standing disputes with Ethiopia are largely centered on the controversial Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam on the Blue Nile River, which Egypt claims jeopardizes its critical water resources.
The situation in the Horn of Africa has become increasingly complex, with inter-state rivalries and the threat of militant groups like Al-Shabaab influencing both domestic and regional dynamics. Somalia, with its geopolitical significance, has attracted the attention of neighboring countries, particularly in the context of its relationships with Ethiopia and Egypt, as both nations navigate their interests concerning security, sovereignty, and regional alliances. The recent Turkish-brokered agreement symbolizes a shift in diplomatic engagement, indicating the involvement of external powers in local disputes. The new AU peacekeeping force is a critical step in stabilizing Somalia while addressing ongoing threats in the region.
In conclusion, Egypt’s commitment to join the AU peacekeeping force in Somalia underlines its strategic alignment with Somalia in the face of Ethiopian assertiveness. The evolving dynamics in the region signal an operational response to the complexities of sovereignty, security, and inter-state relations, particularly as it relates to the burgeoning influence of Ethiopia. The participation of Egypt could potentially reshape the security landscape in Somalia while emphasizing the necessity of regional cooperation and support amidst prevalent challenges.
Original Source: www.barrons.com
