Egypt will join a new African Union peacekeeping force in Somalia, responding to requests from the Somali government amid tensions with Ethiopia. The initiative comes as the existing AU mission concludes and highlights a growing partnership between Egypt and Somalia, particularly in the face of shared security threats from Islamist insurgents like Al-Shabaab.
Egypt’s foreign minister, Badr Abdelatty, announced on Monday that Egypt will participate in a newly established African Union peacekeeping force in Somalia. This decision came in response to a request from the Somali government and was endorsed by the African Union Peace and Security Council during a joint press conference with Somalia’s foreign minister, Ahmed Moalim Fiqi, in Cairo. The involvement of Egypt in this mission represents a strengthening of ties between the two nations amidst ongoing tensions with Ethiopia.
The Horn of Africa has seen increased tensions, particularly following Ethiopia’s signing of a maritime agreement with the self-declared republic of Somaliland in January, a move that has drawn Somalia closer to Cairo, Ethiopia’s regional rival. As the current African Union Transition Mission in Somalia is set to conclude on December 31, the new African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) aims to combat the threats posed by Islamist insurgents, specifically Al-Shabaab.
During the press conference, Abdelatty reaffirmed support for Somalia’s sovereignty and denounced any unilateral actions that could compromise the nation’s territorial integrity. Following a recent agreement brokered by Turkey to resolve a protracted dispute between Somalia and Ethiopia, both nations have also indicated support for Egypt’s involvement in the peacekeeping force, which excludes Ethiopian troops.
Notably, Egypt’s military cooperation with Somalia was solidified in August during a visit from Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. Furthermore, a summit in Asmara that included Egypt, Eritrea, and Somalia showcased a new regional alliance, perceived as a counterbalance to Ethiopia. The longstanding disputes between Cairo and Addis Ababa, particularly concerning the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam on the Blue Nile, underscore the complexity of regional dynamics.
The article discusses the development of a new African Union peacekeeping force designated for Somalia, in which Egypt is set to participate. This initiative emerges amid heightened tensions in the Horn of Africa, particularly due to Ethiopia’s recent maritime agreement with Somaliland. The evolution of Egypt-Somalia relations is framed within the broader context of African geopolitics and the ongoing disputes over resources that exacerbate tensions between Egypt and Ethiopia, especially regarding water rights and regional influence.
In conclusion, Egypt’s decision to join the African Union peacekeeping mission in Somalia signifies deeper bilateral relations between Egypt and Somalia, especially against the backdrop of escalating tensions with Ethiopia. The focus on Somalia’s sovereignty, coupled with Egypt’s strategic military cooperation, reflects a proactive approach to regional security. Overall, this peacekeeping engagement not only aims to stabilize Somalia but also positions Egypt as a key player in the Horn of Africa’s geopolitical landscape.
Original Source: www.barrons.com
