The arms race between Egypt and Ethiopia over Somalia escalates tensions, with Egypt supplying arms amidst Ethiopia’s military presence in Somalia. The situation risks undermining regional counter-terrorism efforts, particularly against al-Shabaab, as both nations navigate their complicated historical and geopolitical relations.
The longstanding rivalry between Egypt and Ethiopia regarding the Nile has intensified into an arms race in Somalia, jeopardizing regional cooperation in counter-terrorism efforts. Somalia has asserted its sovereign right over foreign military support, raising concerns for Ethiopia, as Somalia has increasingly aligned with Egypt, a historical adversary. Egypt initiated military assistance to Somalia last month, including armament shipments to Mogadishu and accompanying naval deployments in the Red Sea. Ethiopia currently maintains its military presence in Somalia through involvement in the African Union Transition Mission (Atmis) and bilateral security arrangements. Ethiopian officials have expressed alarm over the implications of Egyptian arms supplies to Somalia, cautioning that such activities could empower hostile entities such as al-Shabaab. Meanwhile, Somalia rebuffed such assertions, accusing Ethiopia of violating its sovereignty by illegally supplying weapons to regions within its territory, including Puntland. As relations deteriorate, Somalia’s Foreign Affairs Ministry condemned Ethiopia’s actions as breaches of national sovereignty and called for an immediate cessation of such activities. Furthermore, the tension is compounded by a recent memorandum between Ethiopia and Somaliland to establish a naval base, which Somalia deems a direct aggression against its unity and territorial integrity. Consequently, Somalia has solicited the African Union to exclude Ethiopian forces from an upcoming security mission, favoring Egypt’s involvement instead. Ethiopia, feeling slighted by Somalia’s stance, views its prior military contributions to counter-al-Shabaab as significant sacrifices and perceives the current developments as ungratefulness from Mogadishu. However, Somalia’s leadership insists that relations may only improve if Ethiopia retracts its agreements with Somaliland. The situation remains precarious as both nations navigate these complexities while attempting to stabilize Somalia amidst ongoing insurgency threats.
The article explores the escalating military tensions between Egypt and Ethiopia in the context of Somalia, highlighting a growing arms race amplified by Egypt’s support for Somalia amidst its conflict with the militant group al-Shabaab. The historical grievances stemming from the management and distribution of Nile waters exacerbate the existing geopolitical rivalry between Egypt and Ethiopia. With Ethiopia asserting military interests in Somalia, alleged arms transfers, and regional security dynamics at stake, the situation poses significant implications for Somalia’s quest for stability and sovereignty. The backdrop includes Ethiopia’s controversial agreements with Somaliland, which further complicate Somalia’s national unity and territorial claims, alongside Somalia’s plea for international support to uphold its sovereignty against these perceived transgressions.
In conclusion, the arms race between Egypt and Ethiopia in Somalia illustrates the precarious nature of regional security and highlights Somalia’s struggles for sovereignty amidst foreign military interventions. Both nations are positioned at a critical juncture, where military posturing, historical grievances, and the fight against terrorism intertwine to create a complex web of diplomatic relations. The ongoing tensions could disrupt crucial counterterrorism efforts and further destabilize the region, underlining the urgent need for dialogue and collaboration to ensure lasting peace and security in Somalia and the wider Horn of Africa.
Original Source: nation.africa
