Egypt to Participate in New AU Peacekeeping Force in Somalia Amid Regional Tensions

Egypt’s Foreign Minister announced the country’s participation in a new African Union peacekeeping force in Somalia, aligning with Somalia amid tensions with Ethiopia. The move follows a request from Somalia and approval from the AU, coinciding with the end of the previous mission. Egypt aims to support Somali sovereignty while addressing threats from the Al-Shabaab insurgents. Recent regional dynamics include Turkey’s mediation to resolve disputes between Somalia and Ethiopia, highlighting Egypt’s strategic interests in the region.

On Monday, Egypt’s Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty announced the country’s commitment to join a newly established African Union (AU) peacekeeping force in Somalia, signaling closer relations between Cairo and Mogadishu amid rising tensions with Ethiopia. This decision was made following a request from the Somali government and the approval of the AU Peace and Security Council. The minister’s comments coincided with the impending conclusion of the current African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) on December 31, which will transition to the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) designed to combat Islamist militancy.

Abdelatty reiterated Egypt’s stance on Somalia’s sovereignty, emphasizing the rejection of any unilateral actions that might jeopardize the nation’s unity. This announcement comes in light of a maritime agreement between Ethiopia and the self-declared region of Somaliland, further isolating Somalia. Notably, recent diplomatic efforts led by Turkey aimed to resolve a prolonged dispute between Somalia and Ethiopia, which underscored the significance of Egypt’s participation in the peacekeeping force.

While Abdelatty did not specify the extent of Egypt’s involvement, he mentioned ongoing efforts towards a strategic partnership with Somalia, which included a military cooperation agreement signed during the visit of Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. Additionally, a recent summit in Asmara involving Egyptian, Eritrean, and Somali leaders was interpreted as a strategic exclusion of Ethiopia, reflecting Cairo’s longstanding conflicts with Addis Ababa, particularly concerning the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, which Cario perceives as a threat to its water resources.

The Horn of Africa has been a region fraught with geopolitical tensions, particularly between Egypt and Ethiopia, primarily due to Ethiopia’s construction of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam on the Blue Nile, which threatens Egypt’s water supply. As Ethiopia has sought closer ties with Somaliland, Somalia has aligned with Egypt, complicating the dynamics further. The AU has previously been involved in peacekeeping missions in the region in response to ongoing conflicts involving groups like Al-Shabaab. The establishment of the new AU Support and Stabilization Mission signals an ongoing commitment to stabilize the situation in Somalia and address security threats posed by extremist groups.

In summary, Egypt’s commitment to joining the AU peacekeeping force in Somalia signifies a strategic realignment in the region amid growing tensions with Ethiopia. Egypt’s involvement underscores its role in supporting Somalia’s sovereignty while addressing the threat of insurgency. The broader geopolitical landscape in the Horn of Africa continues to evolve with international mediation efforts and regional alliances shaping the future of stability in Somalia and its surrounding nations.

Original Source: www.barrons.com