Egypt accused of opportunism in Somalia’s peace mission

MOGADISHU, Somalia - The government of Egypt has been accused of being opportunistic after agreeing to take charge of the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) which is set to replace the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS).

Several Troops Contributing Countries (TCCs) led by Uganda maintain that Egypt should be been involved earlier in the Somalia mission, suspecting the country's insistence on joining AUSSOM troops next year.

Somalia has ruled out the participation of Ethiopia in the mission, arguing that Addis Ababa is trying to undermine its sovereignty and territorial integrity, having signed an agreement on access to the Red Sea with Somaliland, a breakaway region fighting for international recognition.

Uganda, a key contributor to Somalia’s peacekeeping efforts, questioned Egypt’s sudden involvement. Uganda says the mission structure should not be altered, arguing that it could give Al-Shabaab room to bounce back.

“The TCCs are asking, why does Egypt want to join now? Where have they been all this time? They should have come much earlier,” said Uganda’s State Minister for International Affairs, Henry Okello Oryem. Despite this, Uganda has indicated that while the mission’s structure remains unchanged, operational adjustments may be necessary.

Egypt’s proposed contribution of 5,000 troops, nearly half of AUSSOM’s total force, has raised concerns from countries like Ethiopia. Ethiopia, which has been a key troop contributor since 2014, views Egypt's increased influence as a potential disruptor in the regional security dynamics, particularly amid existing tensions between the two nations, The EastAfrican reports.

The European Union, the main donor to AU missions in Somalia, stated, "The EU has no preference for any country to be part of the new mission, and we are not part of the decision-making process. However, we expect any country participating in the mission to focus 100 percent on the fight against al-Shabaab.”

Regarding financial contributions, the EU added, "The EU has always aimed for better burden-sharing among international partners." The European Union is a major financial stakeholder in Somalia’s peacekeeping mission and would support AUSSOM.

GAROWE ONLINE