A recent military pact between Cairo and Mogadishu has sparked tensions with Ethiopia, as Egypt plans to deploy troops in Somalia, potentially shifting power dynamics in the Horn of Africa. The pact follows Addis Ababa’s 50-year deal with Somaliland to establish a naval base and port along its Red Sea coast, leading to closer Egypt-Somalia military ties.
Egypt and Ethiopia have been at odds due to Ethiopia’s dam project, the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, which Egypt sees as a threat to its water security. While Egypt has primarily exerted diplomatic pressure on Ethiopia, it is now strengthening its presence on the Red Sea.
The move has raised concerns over potential military confrontations. Egypt plans to send 10,000 troops to Somalia, replacing an African Union peacekeeping force. The deployment aims to secure Egypt’s maritime interests and counter Ethiopia’s growing influence in the region.
With Somalia denouncing Ethiopia’s deal with Somaliland and seeking alliances with Egypt and Eritrea, experts suggest that the Egypt-Somalia pact could challenge Ethiopia’s longstanding dominance over Somalia, reshaping regional power dynamics.
[ad_2]
Source link