Egypt has decided to participate in a new AU peacekeeping force in Somalia, following a request from the Somali government amidst growing tensions with Ethiopia. The AU mission aims to combat Al-Shabaab insurgents, replacing the current ATMIS by the end of December 2023. Egypt’s commitment highlights strategic cooperation between the two nations, focusing on Somalia’s sovereignty and regional stability.
On Monday, Egypt’s Foreign Minister, Badr Abdelatty, announced the nation’s decision to join a new African Union (AU) peacekeeping force in Somalia. This decision follows a request from the Somali government and aligns with the approval from the AU Peace and Security Council. The announcement coincides with escalating tensions in the Horn of Africa, particularly regarding Ethiopia’s maritime agreement with Somaliland, which has drawn Somalia closer to Egypt’s strategic interests in the region.
This announcement precedes the winding down of the current African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) set to conclude on December 31, 2023, and the establishment of the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), specifically aimed at combating the Islamist militant group Al-Shabaab. Minister Abdelatty emphasized Egypt’s commitment to respecting Somalia’s sovereignty and opposing any unilateral actions that threaten its unity and security.
In context, relations between Somalia and Ethiopia have been strained, following a Turkish-mediated agreement aimed at resolving ongoing disputes. Despite previous indications that Ethiopian troops would not participate in the AU peacekeeping force, Somalia welcomed Egypt’s involvement. This partnership is part of Egypt’s broader regional strategy, which includes recent military cooperation agreements with Somalia and attempts to forge alliances with Eritrea and Somalia, thereby potentially isolating Ethiopia in diplomatic contexts.
The announcement by Egypt to participate in the new AU peacekeeping mission in Somalia comes against a backdrop of heightened regional tensions, particularly involving Ethiopia. Historically, the Horn of Africa has been a hotspot for geopolitical maneuvering, especially concerning Ethiopian policies impacting its neighbors. The region is also significantly affected by the issues surrounding the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, which Egypt views as a direct threat to its water security. Somalia’s burgeoning relationship with Egypt is interpreted as a counterbalance to Ethiopian influence and a response to Somalia’s needs in combating the ongoing threats posed by militant groups such as Al-Shabaab. This development follows a year of strained relations between Somalia and Ethiopia, highlighting how regional dynamics can shift in response to military and diplomatic engagements, such as the recent Turkish-brokered rapprochement. Egypt’s military cooperation with Somalia reflects its strategic priorities, focusing on enhancing security and stability in the region as tensions with Addis Ababa persist.
In summary, Egypt’s commitment to join the new AU peacekeeping force in Somalia signifies a strategic partnership aimed at enhancing security cooperation and addressing the challenges posed by militant groups in the region. The decision reflects both nations’ efforts to reinforce Somalia’s sovereignty amidst ongoing tensions with Ethiopia. As regional alliances shift and evolve, Egypt’s involvement marks a notable engagement in the Horn of Africa’s complex geopolitical landscape.
Original Source: www.barrons.com
