Egypt has delivered a second major shipment of weapons to Somalia, sparking further friction with Ethiopia. The ongoing regional rivalry centers on security pacts and a controversial port deal involving the breakaway region of Somaliland.
Major Arms Shipment Delivered
On Sunday, an Egyptian warship offloaded a large cache of weapons in Mogadishu. Security forces cordoned off the area as military convoys transported the arms to nearby defense facilities. The shipment, which included anti-aircraft guns and artillery, is the latest in a series of military deliveries aimed at bolstering Somalia’s defense capabilities.
Strengthened Ties Between Egypt and Somalia
This arms transfer is part of a growing security partnership between Egypt and Somalia, following the signing of a joint security pact in August. Both nations share concerns over Ethiopia, particularly regarding its actions in Somaliland and the construction of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) on the Nile.
Concerns Over Regional Stability
The weapons delivery has raised alarms in Somaliland, which fears that the arms could fall into the hands of al-Shabaab, an al-Qaeda-linked militant group. Somaliland’s government expressed concern about the regional security implications of Egypt’s military support to Somalia.
The Ethiopia-Somaliland Port Deal
At the heart of the tension is Ethiopia’s agreement with Somaliland to lease land for a port in exchange for possible recognition of its independence from Somalia. This move has been condemned by both Somalia and Egypt, with Somalia calling it an assault on its sovereignty.
Egypt’s Role in Somalia’s Defense
Egypt’s foreign ministry stated that the arms shipment was intended to strengthen Somalia’s military capabilities and contribute to regional security. Egypt has also offered to provide troops for a new peacekeeping mission in Somalia, though it has not publicly commented on this offer.
Ethiopia’s Response
Ethiopia, which has thousands of troops stationed in Somalia as part of an African Union peacekeeping mission, views the escalating tensions with concern. While the Ethiopian government did not immediately comment, it has previously criticized foreign actions that threaten regional stability.