Concerns raised over Egypt's heavy weapons supply to Somalia

MOGADISHU, Somalia - Concerns have been raised following Egypt's decision to supply heavy weapons to Somalia, just moments after a ship carrying the assorted military hardware docked in Mogadishu’s busy port amid deteriorating security in the region.

Somaliland, the breakaway region of Somalia, which is at the epicenter of the controversy, warned that the decision by Mogadishu would further dwindle chances of promoting peace and stability within the already fragile region.

Through the regional ministry of Foreign Affairs, Somaliland claimed the federal government of Somalia cannot manage and effectively safeguard the distribution of the weapons, given its struggles with governance.

“We are deeply alarmed by the transfer of these weapons, particularly as the Mogadishu administration cannot effectively manage or safeguard such a significant military cache."

The influx of weapons to the country, it added, could trigger local competition for the acquisition of sophisticated weapons by armed groups further worsening the already fluid situation. Various groups could choose to defend themselves, they said.

It also expressed heightened worry over the potential for these weapons to fall into the hands of militant groups like Al-Shabaab and active clan militias, exacerbating violence and instability in Somalia.

“The unchecked proliferation of arms presents a clear risk to regional security, and the consequences could be dire if these weapons end up with terrorist organizations," Somaliland warned.

The region under Muse Bihi Abdi, now wants the international community to intervene immediately to prevent further escalation. Delayed actions could ignite fierce conflicts in the region, it added.

“The global community must take proactive steps to address these concerns," the statement reads. "Failure to act could lead to renewed conflict, bloodshed, and a setback in the ongoing efforts to promote peace in the region."

Despite the growing tensions, Somaliland reiterated its commitment to regional peace and stability. "We remain dedicated to fostering dialogue and cooperation, but immediate action is needed to prevent the situation from spiraling out of control," the government concluded.

The call to action underscores the precarious balance of power in the Horn of Africa, as stakeholders work to prevent further destabilization. Somalia signed a defense pact with Egypt geared towards the protection of its territorial integrity and sovereignty.

Ethiopia has been at loggerheads with Somalia after it signed an agreement with Somaliland which if implemented, would give it 20 kilometers of access to the Red Sea for construction of a military base and port in exchange for recognition of Somaliland as a sovereign state. The move has incredibly angered Somalia.

GAROWE ONLINE