KAMPALA, Uganda — Uganda’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Henry Oryem Okello, has firmly expressed his disapproval of Egypt’s decision to deploy troops for peacekeeping in Somalia. His criticism comes amid discussions focused on the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) and the envisioned African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), stirring the pot regarding Egypt’s growing military ambitions in the Horn of Africa.
The ongoing reevaluation of peacekeeping strategies in Somalia, driven by the persistent Al-Shabaab threat, sees Oryem’s voice topping the chorus of regional concern about this potential shift in influence. Egypt’s intent to join is perceived as a calculated endeavor to tilt regional dynamics in its favor, exacerbated by its water disputes with Ethiopia, thus drawing concern from established troop-contributing countries and sponsors.
Oryem warned about the possibility of Egypt overshadowing the emerging AUSSOM force, emphasizing Egypt’s strategic entry might upend the current troop dynamics, potentially jeopardizing counter-terrorism missions. The fear is that such shifts, perhaps sidelining long-term contributors like Ethiopia, might stir the geopolitical soup, risking more instability in an already tension-filled Horn of Africa.
This stand from Oryem is a slice of the broader tapestry depicting competing alliances and redefined strategic agendas. In this intricate geopolitical dance, peacekeeping missions become a tightrope walk where calculated national and international moves need to align precisely with the peace and security goals of the region.
As dialogues on Egypt’s potential footprint in Somalia’s peacekeeping remain afloat, the consequences ripple not just through Somalia but also across the greater Horn of Africa. Here, regional security strategies and international collaborations are opening new chapters in their intertwined narratives.
AXADLETM
