An Egyptian warship has delivered a second major cache of weaponry to Somalia, including anti-aircraft guns and artillery, in a move likely to escalate tensions between the countries. This delivery comes after Egypt and Somalia signed a joint security pact in August, driven by their mutual suspicion of Ethiopia.
Ethiopia’s agreement with the breakaway region of Somaliland earlier this year to lease land for a port has strained relations with Mogadishu, prompting Egypt to condemn the deal. This latest arms shipment is part of Egypt’s response to the growing closeness between Ethiopia and Somaliland.
The unloading of weapons from the Egyptian warship in Somalia has been closely monitored by security forces and government officials. Egypt, at odds with Ethiopia over the construction of a dam, has reportedly warned its citizens against traveling to Somaliland due to security concerns in the area.
As tensions rise, the African Union peacekeeping mission in Somalia faces challenges, with Somalia demanding Ethiopia’s troops withdraw by the end of the year. Egypt has offered to contribute troops to a new peacekeeping mission in Somalia, though Ethiopia’s government has not responded to these developments.