Egypt aims to co-lead a new AU mission in Somalia to combat Al Shabab, seeking to enhance its influence in the Horn of Africa while countering Ethiopia’s regional power amid ongoing disputes over the Nile dam project. The new mission will replace the previous AU presence, with Egypt contributing a significant military contingent and engaging Somalia in intelligence and training efforts.
Egypt is set to emphasize its desire to co-lead a new African Union (AU) mission in Somalia during upcoming discussions with Somali officials. The mission is anticipated to be deployed later this month, aiming to combat the Al Shabab militant group. Egypt’s involvement is part of a broader strategy to expand its influence in the Horn of Africa, particularly in counterbalancing Ethiopia, with which it has been engaged in ongoing disputes over the significant Nile dam project. Cairo has established military bases in neighboring Eritrea and Djibouti and has concluded military cooperation agreements with various Nile basin states, reinforcing its regional presence and seeking to pressure Ethiopia regarding the ongoing negotiations about the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam.
Following a comprehensive military cooperation agreement signed with Somalia last year, Egypt currently maintains a contingent of several thousand troops in Somalia, primarily focused on training Somali forces in counterterrorism, security, and intelligence sharing. The AU mission, formally termed the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (Aussom), will succeed the previous African Union Transition Mission that concluded on December 31. The size of the new force is still under discussion, with pledges totaling around 11,000 personnel and Egypt expected to contribute about 25%. Meanwhile, the status of Ethiopian troops in Somalia remains uncertain, as tensions over their role have cooled somewhat due to recent diplomatic engagement.
The situation between Egypt and Ethiopia is deeply rooted in water security concerns, especially regarding the utilization of the Nile River, which is vital for Egypt’s water supply. The construction of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam has been a contentious issue, with Egypt perceiving it as an existential threat. Regional dynamics are further complicated by Egypt’s efforts to strengthen ties with other African nations, enhancing its military presence to counter Ethiopia’s growing influence case by case. Recent discussions between Egyptian and Somali officials reflect an intent to solidify military cooperation and operational control within the planned AU mission.
Egypt’s push to lead the new AU mission in Somalia signifies its strategic efforts to expand its influence in Africa and address security threats posed by groups like Al Shabab. The collaboration with Somalia and the intent to replace Ethiopian troops underlines the intricate geopolitical landscape shaped by longstanding disputes over the Nile River’s water security. As negotiations unfold, the region’s stability hangs precariously on the outcomes of these military and diplomatic engagements.
Original Source: www.thenationalnews.com
