Egypt misusing Somalia for selfish Nile conflict gain, says minister

GAROWE, Somalia - A regional minister in Somalia claims the government of Egypt is misusing the federal government of Somalia for selfish gains, arguing that the broader focus is on the conflict between Cairo and Addis Ababa over the Grand Renaissance Dam on the Blue Nile.

Abdi Farah Said Juha, the interior minister for Puntland state, says the endless conflict on the Nile River between Egypt and Ethiopia is the motivating factor behind the latest camaraderie between Cairo and Mogadishu.

"Egypt has intervened in Somalia for its benefit," Juha said. "They are fighting for the Nile, while Ethiopia is focused on securing its water access. But Egypt wants to turn us into a pawn in their broader struggle."

According to him, Egypt is complacent in supporting a stable and self-reliant Somalia, adding that its main focus is to protect its interest in the River Nile. Previously, he adds, Egypt sided with warlords in Somalia.

"Egypt's agenda in Somalia is much bigger than simply offering help. Their presence here could bring serious risks," Juha warned.

His sentiments come a few weeks after Egypt confirmed the deployment of its Naval forces to Somalia and equipment geared towards training local forces besides protecting the country's territorial integrity and sovereignty which are under threat from Ethiopia.

Starting next year, Egypt has also offered to lead the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) which replaces the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS). The idea has been opposed by Somalia.

The hydroelectric plant on the Blue Nile commonly known as (GERD) has been the borne of contention between Egypt and Ethiopia, with the latter claiming full utilization of the facility will affect water levels downstream thus inconveniencing Cairo.

On the other hand, Ethiopia's concerns over Egypt's presence in Somalia are tied to geopolitical dynamics. Ethiopia's Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has expressed frustration with Somalia's defense deal with Egypt, particularly as Ethiopia faces its internal challenges, including conflicts in the Tigray, Amhara, and Oromia regions.

But Somalia maintains cooperation with Egypt was timely, accusing Ethiopia of infringement on its territorial integrity and sovereignty. Ethiopia had signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the breakaway region of Somaliland which grants it access to the Red Sea, much to the detriment of Somalia.

GAROWE ONLINE