Egypt Daily News – The diplomatic tensions in the Horn of Africa, particularly between Ethiopia and Somalia, have escalated recently due to Egypt’s decision to send military supplies to Mogadishu.
Ethiopia’s Foreign Minister, Atseki Selassie, addressed the press, emphasizing Ethiopia’s commitment to resolving conflicts with Somalia peacefully while urging the Somali government to avoid actions that could jeopardize Ethiopian national security.
Ethiopia has acknowledged the importance of maintaining good relations with its neighbors and conveyed that its current interactions with Somalia are evolving.
However, Selassie accused Somali officials of escalating disputes between the two nations, despite Ethiopia’s efforts to foster peace and security in Somalia, particularly in the fight against the Al-Shabaab terrorist group.
The backdrop of these tensions includes longstanding disputes between Egypt and Ethiopia over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) on the Nile River, which Egypt views as a significant threat to its water supply. The shipment of military equipment to Somalia from Egypt may be seen as an attempt by Cairo to bolster its security influence in the region amid these disputes.
Moreover, Ethiopia’s recent agreement with Somaliland, which involves leasing a segment of its coastline, has further strained relations with Somalia. Somaliland’s aspiration to gain international recognition as an independent state has been met with resistance from Somalia, complicating the geopolitical landscape in the area.
As the situation develops, Ethiopia has reiterated its desire to handle disagreements through dialogue, but the interplay of external military support and regional alliances continues to pose a challenge to stability in the Horn of Africa.
