Will Egypt sustain Somalia’s peacekeeping mission?

NAIROBI, Kenya - It is now evidently clear that Egypt shall contribute troops to the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), an outfit set to replace the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) whose tenure expires in December this year, marking the beginning of long-term plans for stability in the Horn of Africa nation.

A communique released after the Tripartite summit involving Egypt, Somalia and Eritrea endorsed the framework for Egypt's impending takeover, even in the middle of uncertainty within the region, triggered by Ethiopia's endless wrangles with Cairo and Mogadishu.

"Emphasizing the sovereign right of the Federal Republic of Somalia to determine the composition, tasks and timeframe of the mission’s deployment, in coordination with the African Union Commission, and welcoming in this regard the offer of the Arab Republic of Egypt to contribute troops to the AUSSOM mission," the statement read.

Much to Ethiopia's displeasure, Egypt is positioning itself to play a central role in this transition. Already, Egypt has shipped weapons to Somalia on two occasions after signing the defence pact. In defence, Egypt says it has a role in helping to stabilise and support the Somali National Army (SNA).

While Egypt is defending the decision as a result of blossoming ties with Somalia, the move is however, viewed as a strategy to tame Ethiopia's growing ambitions in expanding territory and networks within the ever-fluid and tense region.

The defence cooperation between Somalia and Egypt was signed after Ethiopia signed a deal with Somaliland, a breakaway region of Somalia, targeting 20 kilometres of access to the Red Sea for the construction of a military base and port in exchange for recognition of Somaliland as a sovereign state.

And this growing influence of Ethiopia forced Somalia to seek partnerships with allies, with Egypt and Turkey taking precedence. While Egypt has shipped weapons to Somalia ahead of troops dispatch, Turkey's naval ships are also sailing towards Somalia's coastline.

Ethiopia has criticized the supply of weapons to Somalia, arguing that it could exacerbate existing security challenges. Locally, Ethiopia is credited for helping the federal government of Somalia successfully fight against Al-Shabaab, through the deployment of troops under the African Union mission.

Ethiopia has voiced strong concerns over Egypt's increasing involvement in Somalia. Yassin Ahmed, president of the Ethiopian Public Diplomacy Institute in Sweden, warned that Egypt's intervention poses an unprecedented threat to regional stability.

"Egypt's inexperience, coupled with its history of failed peacekeeping missions, renders its efforts in Somalia futile," Yassin told Ethiopian state media. "Instead of pursuing divisive policies, it would be more appropriate for Egypt to cooperate with Ethiopia in preserving regional security."

Somalia insists Ethiopian troops do not stand a chance of serving in AUSSOM, accusing the neighbours of infringement of our 'territorial integrity and sovereignty'. The country also says it has the authority to decide which country contributes troops and which one cannot.

As Egypt moves troops closer to Somalia, it is also involved in a conflict with Ethiopia over the Nile River water. Egypt accuses Ethiopia of the construction of the Grand Renaissance Dam, which has severely impacted agriculture downstream, threatening food production.

Hussein Sheikh Ali, Somalia’s National Security Advisor, welcomes Egypt's intervention while insisting that the country will endeavour to protect its territory by working closely with like-minded countries in the light of growing threats from neighbours.

"This huge milestone gives Somalia the biggest platform to defend our great nation's interests and territorial integrity. Equally, it is also an opportunity to represent our continent and the peoples of the world who aspire to justice, security and liberty."

It remains to be established whether Ethiopia will completely withdraw the soldiers at the end of this year or it shall insist on staying within Somalia against the wishes of Mogadishu. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud says his country will defend its sovereignty by embracing cooperation with like-minded states.

GAROWE ONLINE