Egypt and Somalia Ink Joint Political Pact to Boost Relations into a Strategic Alliance
FILE – Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and his Somali counterpart, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, share a moment in Cairo, August 2024 – Egyptian Presidency
In a move that could stir the diplomatic waters of the region, the heads of state from Egypt and Somalia put pen to paper on Thursday, sealing a joint political declaration. This pact aims to forge a strategic partnership, elevating the bilateral ties to a higher echelon.
The grand halls of Cairo saw President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi roll out a warm Egyptian welcome for President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. Amidst the flutter of flags and solemn expressions, the leaders inked a deal to waive visa requirements for those holding diplomatic passports–a gesture of goodwill that bodes well for smoother diplomatic exchanges.
Standing tall at the podium, Sisi addressed the crowd post-signing with a charisma that could sell ice to an Eskimo, declaring that the joint political communiqué touches every corner of their alliance–political, military, cultural, and economic. “Annual political consultations at the summit level will keep the dialogue fresh and the collaboration dynamic,” noted Sisi, his words resonating like a symphony of statesmanship.
Over the past year, an unspoken dance of diplomacy between Egypt and Somalia has unfolded, with leaders swapping high-level visits akin to an intricate tango across borders. The agenda? Bolstering collaboration in arenas spanning economic, educational, security, and military sectors.
Back in the sultry month of August, the two dignitaries observed the formalization of a military cooperation protocol during their Cairo encounter. Today, Sisi assured the assembly that he and Mohamud are keen on translating these agreements into action. The blueprint? Empower Somali state capacities, reinforce national institutions, and keep the forces of chaos at bay by opposing extremist and terrorist groups.
Security concerns took center stage as the Egyptian forces’ involvement in the freshly minted African Union mission in Somalia was thoroughly dissected. Last month, Sisi projected Egypt as a steadfast partner, weaving efforts to underpin Somali peace and stability into the fabric of their bilateral cooperation and peacekeeping initiatives.
Cairo, with its storied history of pharaohs and pyramids, seems eager to share its wealth of technical expertise. By passing down knowledge, Egypt positions itself as a key ally in padding Somalia’s armor against the looming specters of security threats, fortifying its national sanctum, no less.
Time and again, the Egyptian government has hoisted the banner of support high and proud for Somalia, championing its quest to ringfence sovereignty and stave off terrorism’s creeping tendrils. Meanwhile, storm clouds gathered over the Horn of Africa, with Egypt not shy to voice its standing ovation for Somalia’s unity in the face of Ethiopia’s new dalliance with North Western State of Somalia, a territory whose self-declared sovereignty is akin to claiming Napoleon’s hat as your own.
In the frosty dawn of January 2024, a deal was struck between Ethiopia and North Western State of Somalia that whispered promises of sea access in return for recognition, a tangent Ethiopia took that Somalia met with loud disapproval. The latter saw it as an affront, a line not merely crossed but obliterated, infringing on Somalia’s sovereign prerogative.
Yet the icy tension thawed eventually. With Ankara stepping into the mediator’s limelight, the neighbors quickly hashed things out, reaching a peaceful accord just the previous month. “Who knew a meeting over tea could solve what warships never could?” quipped a seasoned diplomat in an off-the-record comment.
In a world teetering ever so closely to stormy seas, the narrative of Egypt and Somalia forms a chapter where diplomatic derring-do meets old-world cordiality. Can this newfound alliance become an anchor in stormy waters? Only time, and perhaps more of these high-profile meetings, will tell.
Report By Axadle
