Ethiopia Concerned Over New Egypt-Somalia Military Alliance
Ethiopia is on edge about a new military partnership between Egypt and Somalia, which began with the arrival of Egyptian military planes in Mogadishu. This deal, made in August during a visit by Somalia’s president to Cairo, involves up to 10,000 Egyptian soldiers joining African Union forces later this year. Ethiopia, which has had ongoing disputes with Egypt over a major dam it built on the Nile River, sees this alliance as a threat.
The tensions between Ethiopia and Somalia are partly due to Ethiopia’s desire for access to the sea. Recently, Ethiopia signed a deal with Somaliland, a breakaway region from Somalia, to lease a section of its coastline. Somalia views this as a provocation and fears it could lead to more countries recognizing Somaliland’s independence.
Somalia has also announced that Ethiopian troops will not be part of the new African Union mission starting next January, and it has demanded Ethiopian soldiers stationed in Somalia withdraw unless Ethiopia cancels the Somaliland deal. This move is seen by Ethiopia as a direct challenge to its contributions and security.
Ethiopia’s frustrations are compounded by the fact that Egypt’s military presence could further destabilize the region. Egypt is also troubled by Ethiopia’s Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, which Cairo fears will reduce its crucial water supply from the Nile.
The potential for conflict is high, with experts warning that further unrest could draw in other countries and impact global trade through the Red Sea.
Efforts to mediate the situation are expected, with Turkey and the UAE possibly playing key roles in resolving these tensions.
Credit : BBC
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cvg415vex37o