Egypt and Somalia Boost Military Ties Amid Rising Horn of Africa Tension

CAIRO - Egypt and Somalia have revived their military cooperation in the midst of increasing threats within the Horn of Africa, a region which is associated with terrorism, instability and piracy for the last three decades, affecting maritime activities.

Over the weekend, Egyptian Defence Minister and Armed Forces Commander-in-Chief General Abdel Mageed Saqr met in Cairo with Somali Defence Minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi and his delegation to discuss strengthening military cooperation and promoting security across Africa.

At the meeting, the two leaders explored ways to expand their collaboration between their armed forces to enhance peace and stabilisation of the Horn of Africa, besides the exploration of joint operations.

The meeting comes as the Egyptian army prepares to join the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) following the recent assessment that established many Forward Operating Bases from where the military will carry out its activities.

Incorporating Egypt into the AUSSOM was rebuked by Ethiopia, which maintained that Egypt’s presence would severely impede the fight against Al-Shabaab militants, thus eroding the gains. The two countries are involved in wrangles over the construction of the Grand Renaissance Dam along the Nile River.

Egypt has already donated military weapons to be used by the Somali National Army (SNA) ahead of the arrival of the AUSSOM contingent, which shall work closely with the Somali National Army on various frontlines.

General Saqr highlighted Egypt’s appreciation of its close ties with Somalia and reaffirmed Cairo’s commitment to broadening cooperation in all areas of defence. Fiqi praised Egypt for its role in promoting peace and stability.

The meeting was attended by the Chief of Staff of the Egyptian Armed Forces, Lieutenant General Ahmed Khalifa, along with senior military commanders. The Somali army is undergoing transition, including massive training, and is being equipped.

GAROWE ONLINE