The escalating arms race between Egypt and Ethiopia in Somalia poses a significant threat to regional stability and the Somali government’s sovereignty. Egypt’s recent military aid aims to bolster Somali forces, while Ethiopia condemns these actions, asserting they could aid terrorist groups. This conflict is exacerbated by Ethiopia’s arms shipments to Puntland, leading Somalia to request changes in international military support frameworks.
The longstanding rivalry between Egypt and Ethiopia has intensified as both nations engage in an arms race within Somalia, which threatens their collaboration in counter-terrorism efforts. Somalia asserts its authority to control arms deliveries and foreign military presence, causing concern in Ethiopia due to Somalia’s relationship with Egypt, a historical adversary. Recently, Egypt has taken significant steps by supplying arms to Somalia, which are reportedly intended to enhance the capabilities of Somali security forces. Conversely, Ethiopia, already involved in Somalia under the African Union’s framework, views these developments as a substantial security threat amid ongoing struggles against the militant group al-Shabaab. Ethiopian officials have raised alarms regarding the potential for Egyptian weapons to bolster terrorist activities, whereas Somali officials accuse Ethiopia of illicit arms shipments to its Puntland region, which they claim infringe on Somalia’s sovereignty. This situation has escalated after the Ethiopian Prime Minister’s controversial agreement with Somaliland, further souring relations with Mogadishu. As both nations jockey for influence in Somalia, their historical enmities and current military posturing could destabilize the Horn of Africa.
The tensions between Egypt and Ethiopia date back decades, primarily driven by competition for the Nile River’s resources, particularly concerning the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD). This dam has become a focal point of contention, but recent developments have shifted the conflict into Somalia, where both nations are attempting to secure military support amidst concerns regarding terrorism and regional stability. With Somalia caught in this geopolitical tussle, its sovereignty and stability are increasingly jeopardized as foreign military involvement escalates.
The rapidly evolving dynamics of the arms race in Somalia between Egypt and Ethiopia underscore the complex interplay of regional politics, national sovereignty, and the persistent threat of terrorism. As both nations navigate their historical rivalries and military ambitions, Somalia’s security landscape remains precarious, requiring careful diplomatic engagement from international stakeholders to mitigate the risks of conflict and ensure stability.
Original Source: nation.africa
