Egypt's El-Sisi pledges to help Somalia tackle Al-Shabaab

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud at the Presidential palace in Cairo, Egypt, on July 25, 2022. (File Photo)

MOGADISHU, Somalia - The government of Egypt will be keen to help Somalia to tackle terrorism and violent extremism, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi has said, with the focus on Al-Qaida affiliated group; the Al-Shabaab being on focus, in what would help the country to stabilize.

In a phone call to President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, El-Sisi, a key figure in the Arab League nations, said he will be keener to boost Somalia's state institutions, in a bit to help the country stabilize, after three decades of uncertainty.

The Egyptian leader, who welcomed Hassan Sheikh in July, added that Cairo will be keen to improve bilateral ties with Mogadishu, majorly focusing on economy and trade levels. The move was welcomed by Sheikh Mohamud, who is serving his second term.

On his part, the Somali president acknowledged contributions by Egypt, noting that the northern African country has been keen to help Somalia grow. Egypt has been working hard to stamp authority in the Horn of Africa, particularly through military cooperation.

According to the statement, the Somali president underlined the historical relations between the two countries on the official and popular levels, hailing Egypt's historic role in backing Somalia and the support Egypt provides to Somalia in various fields.

The conversation between the two leaders come after Ethiopian TV [ETV] aired a report alleging Hassan Sheikh's strong ties with TPLF affecting relations between his new government and Addis Ababa.

The ties hit a low point after El-Sisis said that Somalia pledged support for the controversial construction of the Grand Renaissance Dam by Ethiopia, which Egypt disagreed with. But Hassan Sheikh's office would later deny the claims.

During Hassan Sheikh's Cairo visit, Al-Sisi said he followed up with Mohamud on the progress achieved with regard to the Egyptian-Somali bilateral cooperation projects and agreed on joint work to enhance efforts of economic development in Somalia.

GAROWE ONLINE