Somalia and Egypt Boost Military Cooperation Amid Tensions Over Nile Dam Dispute

MOGADISHU, Somalia — Somalia’s Deputy Minister of Defense, accompanied by senior military officials, hosted Egypt’s Defense Attaché to Somalia, Colonel Ahmed Fathi Abdelsatar Al-Husseini, for talks focused on strengthening military cooperation between the two countries.

The meeting, held at Somalia’s Ministry of Defense headquarters, centered on expanding joint training programs and accelerating the deployment of Egyptian troops who are set to join the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), known locally as AUSSOM.

Both sides emphasized the importance of robust defense collaboration to enhance peace and stability in the Horn of Africa, particularly in efforts to secure Somalia.

The Somali Ministry of Defense welcomed Egypt’s role in supporting Somali forces and its contribution to the regional mission aimed at stabilizing the country.

However, Egypt faces accusations of using its military presence in Somalia as leverage in its ongoing dispute with Ethiopia over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) on the Nile River. Critics claim Cairo is positioning troops in Somalia to exert pressure on Addis Ababa amid tense negotiations.

Egypt plans to deploy thousands of additional troops to the AMISOM operation in Somalia as part of its broader regional security strategy.

GAROWE ONLINE