Egypt seeks a leadership role in the upcoming African Union mission in Somalia to combat Al Shabab, reflecting its strategic aim to counter Ethiopia’s influence in the region. With military bases and cooperative agreements in place, Egypt is positioned to strengthen its presence in the Horn of Africa as it prepares to deploy troops to support Somalia’s security forces against terrorism.
In discussions scheduled for this weekend, Egypt intends to emphasize its desire to co-lead a new African Union (AU) operation in Somalia aimed at combating the terrorist group Al Shabab. Egypt’s involvement in the upcoming AU mission, anticipated to be deployed later this month, signifies Cairo’s strategy to enhance its influence in the strategically critical Horn of Africa and counterbalance Ethiopia’s prominence in the region. Cairo’s military initiatives, including existing bases in Eritrea and Djibouti and recent military cooperation agreements with various Nile basin countries, are pivotal to establishing its presence amid ongoing tensions regarding the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam.
The imminent mission, formally titled the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (Aussom), is designed to succeed the now-defunct African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (Atmis). Egypt currently maintains a military contingent in Somalia, focused on training local security forces in counterterrorism methods and the protection of essential government installations. This mission aims to secure more effective responses to Al Shabab’s threats and bolster overall regional stabilization. Egyptian officials assert that the new AU mission will likely comprise around 11,000 troops, with approximately 25 percent originating from Egypt.
As relations between Somalia and Ethiopia show signs of reassessment, Cairo seeks assurances that its forces will assume positions vacated by Ethiopian troops in the new mission. Discussions between defense ministers from both nations have highlighted a mutual appreciation for military collaboration amidst lingering territorial disputes influenced by Ethiopia’s maritime agreements with Somaliland, which Somalia perceives as infringing on its sovereignty. Egypt is determined to assert its role in this complex environment, strategically positioning itself ahead of its military deployment.
The context of Egypt’s ambitions in Somalia is intrinsically tied to its longstanding tensions with Ethiopia over the Nile River and the construction of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam. Cairo views control and influence over the Nile’s waters as essential to its national security and has consistently sought to bolster its foothold in Africa, especially in regions where Ethiopia holds sway. The rise of Al Shabab, an extremist group linked to Al Qaeda, has increasingly posed a threat not only to Somalia but also to regional stability, prompting Egypt’s involvement in co-leading an AU mission designed to enhance security and counteract terrorism. The dynamics between Egypt, Somalia, and Ethiopia are complex, with historical grievances and geopolitical interests shaping their interactions and alliances.
In summary, Egypt’s decision to pursue a leadership role within the upcoming AU mission in Somalia underscores its strategic efforts to expand influence in the Horn of Africa amid longstanding tensions with Ethiopia. The collaboration is significantly focused on counter-terrorism initiatives against Al Shabab, fostering military ties with Somalia, and repositioning its geopolitical stance in response to Ethiopia’s rising influence. As these developments unfold, the implications for regional security and the balance of power in East Africa remain critical areas of observation.
Original Source: www.thenationalnews.com
