Egypt and Somalia Strengthen 2024 Military Agreement, Deepen Relations Amid Rising Tensions with Ethiopia
CAIRO – Egypt and Somalia have enthusiastically rolled up their sleeves, set to activate a long-anticipated military accord inked in 2024. Curious as to why? Well, these interesting developments seem likely to raise eyebrows over in Ethiopia. You see, a significant discussion hovers over the colossal Grand Renaissance Dam, a construction project that’s become quite the bone of contention between Ethiopia and Cairo.
Presidents Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of Somalia and Abdel Fattah al-Sisi of Egypt recently put pen to paper on an ambitious joint political declaration. This is much more than just pomp and circumstance. It’s about elevating their bilateral relations to the lofty heights of a strategic partnership. We’re talking a full-fledged focus on everything from politics to culture, with a healthy dash of economics and military cooperation tossed in for good measure.
You might ask, why all this fuss? Well, the military protocol isn’t just a mere paper agreement. It’s designed to bolster Somalia’s might in maintaining security against those infamous miscreants, the extremist groups like Al-Shabaab and ISIS, who’ve been a thorn in their side. Speaking of thorns, it’s safe to say that Somalia’s ongoing battle against these insidious groups is nothing short of a Herculean task.
Recently, Egypt has stepped up, shipping arms to Somalia, bolstering its military capabilities to rid the region of these extremist blights. But this camaraderie hasn’t gone unnoticed. Ethiopia is not too thrilled, suspecting Egypt’s intention to establish a military foothold in Somalia. “They are just lending a helping hand,” Egypt might retort, possibly with the proverbial shrug.
If that wasn’t enough excitement, Egypt is tremendously keen to dispatch troops to the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM). What’s AUSSOM, you ask? Consider it a regional peacekeeping effort aimed, not surprisingly, at spreading some much-needed stability. Naturally, Ethiopia’s hackles have risen at this notion, especially when Somalia seemed to propose giving Egypt an exclusive ticket to the show. Yet, cooler heads have since prevailed, both countries snagging places in AUSSOM.
A few days before his Cairo trip, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud had a pow-wow with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, in Addis Ababa of all places. What could sway Somalia to soften its once rigid stance, you wonder? Apparently, mediation talks in Ankara worked like a charm, smoothing the wrinkles over thorny issues, including Ethiopia’s expressed desire to access the Red Sea via North Western State of Somalia.
In the grand scheme, who will have the reins of AUSSOM is anyone’s guess. If Egypt strides in with marching boots, it would be a maiden voyage of sorts, having never stationed troops in Somali lands before. Meanwhile, Ethiopia, sporting its peacekeeping badge with pride, stakes its claim as AUSSOM’s seasoned member.
The diplomatic dance doesn’t end there. Beyond military pacts, the Cairo summit bore more fruit. Somalia and Egypt concocted not one, but two enticing agreements to tighten diplomatic bonds. How about traveling with less hassle? They’ve got you covered with a visa waiver, designed for diplomatic passports that permits a generous 90-day stay. There’s education in the mix too — diplomatic trainings are on the horizon.
The agreements, competently executed by Somali Foreign Minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi and his Egyptian counterpart Badr Abdel-Atty, received a cordial witness by none other than Presidents Mohamud and al-Sisi. A symbolic handshake revealed an ambition towards shared dreams and goals in trade, cultural exchange, mutual security interests, and forging a pathway to regional stability that would make anyone go, “Why haven’t we done this sooner?”
Reporter By Axadle
