Fiqi visits Egypt as Cairo To Deploy Troops in Somalia Amid Standoff with Ethiopia

CAIRO — Somali Foreign Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi visited Cairo on Monday, coinciding with Egypt's announcement that it will contribute troops to a new African Union mission in Somalia set to begin next year. This development comes amidst ongoing tensions with Ethiopia, primarily over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) on the Nile River.

Egypt's decision to deploy troops to Somalia is part of the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), which is intended to replace the current African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) that concludes at the end of this year. Ethiopia, which has had a significant military presence in Somalia, including through ATMIS, has also agreed to participate in this new mission despite the diplomatic friction with Egypt.

The GERD has been a source of contention since its construction began in 2011, with Egypt viewing it as a threat to its water security due to its reliance on the Nile for nearly all its freshwater needs. Ethiopia maintains that the dam is essential for its economic development and energy needs.

The visit by Fiqi to Cairo underscores the strategic alliances forming in the region, with Somalia aligning closer to Egypt in the face of Ethiopia's deal with Somaliland, a breakaway region of Somalia, for maritime access and potential recognition of its independence.

Ethiopia currently has thousands of troops operating in Somalia, mainly in the three states of Southwest, Jubaland, and Hirshabelle, which are located on its border.

GAROWE ONLINE