Egypt Set To Deploy Forces to Somalia to Counter Ethiopia's Horn of Africa Influence

CAIRO, Egypt - Egypt is expected to send military forces to Somalia in what analysts interpreted as an effort to counterbalance Ethiopia's expanding influence across the Horn of Africa while seeking to secure strategic access to the Red Sea.

Amidst these geopolitical maneuvers, Egypt and Somalia are set to hold consultations in Cairo from January 10-12 to discuss Egypt's potential participation in the new African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM).

According to sources cited by Garowe Online, negotiations are also in progress with Ethiopia and Burundi for their contributions to AUSSOM, emphasizing a multi-nation approach to strengthen the mission's efficacy in one of Africa's most volatile regions.

The deployment occurs against a backdrop of escalating friction between Ethiopia and Egypt, exacerbated by Cairo's recent defense deal with Somalia in August 2024 just 7 months after PM Abiy Ahmed signed the Seaport access MoU with Somaliland —a move vehemently opposed by Somalia as an assault on its sovereignty.

In August, two Egyptian military planes and a military ship delivered arms and ammunition to Mogadishu, raising fears of proxy war in Somalia.

Egypt's military and diplomatic initiatives are seen as not only an endorsement of Somalia but also a strategic play to recalibrate regional influence, safeguarding Egypt's interests in the crucial Red Sea waterway, which is vital for global trade and security.

This strategic positioning by Egypt could potentially reshape alliances and power structures in the Horn of Africa, with implications for regional stability and international maritime routes.

GAROWE ONLINE