Egypt has announced its participation in a new African Union peacekeeping mission in Somalia, marking a significant step in strengthening bilateral ties as tensions with Ethiopia continue to shape regional dynamics in the Horn of Africa.
The decision was revealed by Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty during a joint press conference in Cairo with Somali Foreign Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi. “This decision follows a direct request from the Somali government and approval from the African Union Peace and Security Council,” Abdelatty said.
The African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) is set to conclude at the end of December, paving the way for the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM). The new mission will focus on combating the Al-Shabaab insurgency and stabilizing Somalia, which continues to grapple with security challenges.
Strategic Alignment in the Horn of Africa
Egypt’s commitment to the peacekeeping effort underscores its growing strategic alignment with Somalia, a relationship that has seen significant developments in recent months. In August, the two nations signed a military cooperation agreement during Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s visit to Cairo. By October, this partnership extended to a summit in Asmara, where Egypt, Somalia, and Eritrea formed a new regional bloc aimed at fostering collaboration while counterbalancing Ethiopia’s influence in the region.
Tensions in the Horn of Africa were exacerbated earlier this year when Ethiopia signed a controversial maritime agreement with Somaliland, a self-declared independent region. The move, perceived as undermining Somalia’s sovereignty, drove Mogadishu closer to Cairo, a long-time rival of Addis Ababa.
Egypt’s Firm Support for Somali Sovereignty
During the press conference, Abdelatty reaffirmed Egypt’s unwavering support for Somalia’s territorial sovereignty and unity. “We reject any external measures or unilateral actions that could compromise Somalia’s sovereignty or national security,” he declared.
Egypt’s participation in AUSSOM comes as Somalia recalibrates its regional alliances. While initially opposing the involvement of Ethiopian troops in the African Union mission, Somalia welcomed Egypt’s inclusion, reflecting a shift in its strategic priorities.
A Historic Reconciliation Effort
Egypt’s involvement also follows a recent breakthrough in regional diplomacy. Earlier this month, Türkiye brokered a historic agreement that resolved a year-long dispute between Somalia and Ethiopia. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan hailed the deal as a “landmark achievement,” receiving widespread support from the African Union, the United States, and the European Union.
The agreement has opened new avenues for cooperation in the region, although the underlying rivalries and strategic maneuvers among key players remain evident.
Broader Regional Implications
Egypt’s growing engagement in Somalia is part of a broader strategy tied to its ongoing disputes with Ethiopia. The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) on the Blue Nile remains a contentious issue, with Cairo viewing the project as a threat to its vital water resources. Egypt’s increased influence in Somalia and its alliances with Eritrea and other Horn of Africa states are seen as a counterbalance to Ethiopia’s regional ambitions.
With the establishment of AUSSOM, Egypt’s role in Somalia highlights the intersection of peacekeeping efforts and geopolitical rivalry. As the African Union transitions to this new mission, the region’s security and political stability will depend on how these alliances evolve amidst enduring tensions.
By committing to peacekeeping in Somalia, Egypt is not only addressing immediate security concerns but also positioning itself as a key player in shaping the future of the Horn of Africa.