Egypt Daily News – Tensions between Egypt and Ethiopia continue to escalate, particularly surrounding the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) and its implications for regional security.
In a recent development, Egypt’s decision to send military equipment to Somalia and joint the UN peacekeeping force in January has drawn criticism from Ethiopia, which has expressed its rejection of such moves.
The Somali Foreign Ministry condemned Ethiopia’s shipments of weapons to the Puntland region, framing them as violations of Somali sovereignty and a direct threat to regional stability.
Somalia has called for an immediate cessation of these shipments and has sought international support for peace efforts in the region.
The relationship between Puntland and the Somali federal government has become increasingly strained as Puntland has declared it no longer recognizes the authority of the central government.
This fracturing of relations is occurring in tandem with actions from Somaliland, which recently closed an Egyptian cultural library in its territory due to security concerns related to Egypt’s military presence in Somalia.
Somaliland’s government announced a memorandum of understanding with Ethiopia, strengthening their ties and indicating Ethiopia’s recognition of Somaliland’s independence in the future.
Ethiopia has responded critically to Egypt’s military support for Somalia, alleging that Somalia is colluding with external parties to destabilize Ethiopia.
Concerns have also been raised about the establishment of a new African Union security mission in Somalia, which Ethiopia perceives as a direct threat to its national security.
Amidst these rising tensions, military cooperation between Egypt and Somalia has been formalized through a protocol signed by President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.
This agreement has further escalated fears in Ethiopia, especially following Ethiopia’s agreement with Somaliland, which grants it access to a port on the Red Sea and potentially changes the maritime dynamics in the region.
As these developments unfold, the situation remains fragile, with Ethiopia asserting its resolve to maintain its national security and monitor regional developments closely. The Ethiopian Foreign Ministry has reiterated its commitment to peaceful resolutions but warned that it will not tolerate threats to its sovereignty.
