Egyptian Military Cargo Ship Arrives In Somalia Amidst Horn of Africa Tensions

MOGADISHU, Somalia - An Egyptian military cargo ship reportedly docked on Somalia's coastline over the weekend, multiple sources confirmed, just a week after Cairo reiterated its commitment to protect the country's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

According to reports, the cargo ship delivered a significant shipment of heavy artillery and anti-tank weapons, marking the largest military aid to Somalia since the UN arms embargo was lifted in Dec 2023.

Somalia had been under UN sanctions for three decades before President Hassan Sheikh made a strong submission to the United Nations Nations Security Council over the quest to lift the arms embargo in the middle of the war against the Al-Shabaab.

The delivery of the military cargo highlights Egypt's increasing military engagement amidst regional geopolitical maneuvers in Somalia. Egypt has been working closely with Somalia on matters of security, following threats from Ethiopia.

The cargo, part of a recent defense pact between Cairo and Mogadishu, aims to bolster Somalia's defense capabilities while reflecting Egypt's broader strategy to enhance its influence in the Horn of Africa, particularly against tensions with Ethiopia over strategic interests.

For the better part of the weekend, residents in Mogadishu started sharing purported video clips of weapons being offloaded from a ship that is docked at the seaport, with heavy military hardware taken off to the city.

Egypt is at loggerheads with Ethiopia over the controversial Grand Renaissance Dam (GERD), with Cairo maintaining that the project is triggering desertification due to limited Nile Waters. Additionally, Ethiopia is also wrangling with Somalia after an agreement with Somaliland over access to sea.

Somalia has accused Ethiopia of annexation plans, with Addis Ababa planning to recognize Somaliland as a sovereign state, contrary to international law. Egypt has vowed to protect Somalia from the said aggression, leading to the current standoff.

"Egypt will not allow anyone to threaten Somalia or affect its security," said Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, who further pledged to donate military hardware besides helping the Somali National Army in training.

“We know our interests and the choice of our allies is our decision to make, not to be dictated by others," added Abdikadir Mohamed Nur, Somalia’s Minister for Defence, who was part of the team that witnessed the signing of the defense deal.

Several countries including the United States have called for order in the Horn of Africa, arguing that there is a need for dialogue. Turkey has been the lead mediator but its efforts have not borne fruits with both parties refusing to cede grounds.

Egyptian military would be part of the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) which shall take over from the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), whose mandate is set to expire by the end of this year.

GAROWE ONLINE