Israel wary of Egypt’s expanding role in Somalia and Horn of Africa

TEL AVIV, — Israeli political and security circles are increasingly concerned about what they see as Egypt’s rapidly expanding military and diplomatic role in Somalia and across the Horn of Africa, Israeli media reported.

Israel’s i24 News channel, citing Israeli security sources, said Cairo views Israel’s decision to recognise Somaliland as a strategic shift with wide-ranging regional implications, prompting heightened Egyptian attention to the Horn of Africa.

Israeli security sources cited by the broadcaster said Egypt has recently stepped up its political and security support for Somalia’s federal government under President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, which has strongly criticised Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s recognition of Somaliland.

The backing, according to the report, is intended to bolster stability in the fragile Horn of Africa nation and safeguard Somalia’s territorial integrity, amid Egyptian concerns over potential security repercussions from Israel’s growing regional footprint.

Israeli security assessments suggest Cairo interprets the recognition of Somaliland as an attempt by Israel to establish a strategic foothold near the Bab al-Mandab Strait and the Red Sea — waterways vital to Egypt’s national security, global trade, and international maritime navigation.

The report added that Egypt’s unease is not limited to Somalia, but also reflects fears that Israel could deepen cooperation with Ethiopia, at a time when relations between Cairo and Addis Ababa remain strained over disputes surrounding Nile waters and the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam.

GAROWE ONLINE