Regional

Egypt makes second weapons delivery to Somalia after joint security pact

Security helicopters hover above the Mogadishu Sea Port after an Egyptian warship docked to deliver a second major cache of weaponry in Mogadishu, Somalia on September 23, 2024. (Photo: REUTERS/Feisal Omar)

By Mwangi Maina | Tuesday, September 24, 2024

The relationship between Egypt and Somalia has strengthened this year due to their mutual distrust of Ethiopia.

An Egyptian warship has delivered a significant cache of weapons to Somalia, including anti-aircraft guns and artillery, a move likely to heighten tensions between Somalia and Ethiopia, according to officials.

Egypt's Foreign Ministry announced the arrival of the shipment on Monday, stating it aims to support and enhance the capabilities of the Somali army.

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This delivery reinforces Egypt's ongoing commitment to assist Somalia in developing the national capabilities necessary for the country's security, stability, and development.

This shipment marks the second significant military aid package from Egypt, following the first in over four decades, which arrived in August.

The relationship between Egypt and Somalia has strengthened this year due to their mutual distrust of Ethiopia.

Following a joint security pact signed in August, Egypt has been sending multiple flights of arms to Mogadishu.

The warship began unloading the weapons on Sunday, with security forces securing the quayside and surrounding roads as convoys transported the arms to a Defence ministry facility and nearby military bases, according to reports from port workers and military officials.

Tensions have escalated due to Ethiopia's preliminary agreement in January with the breakaway region of Somaliland to lease land for a port, which Somalia views as a violation of its sovereignty.

Somalia has demanded that all Ethiopian troops withdraw by the end of the year unless the Somaliland deal is rescinded.

Ethiopia maintains a presence in Somalia, with around 3,000 soldiers deployed as part of the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (Atmis), aimed at countering an armed uprising.

Additionally, an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 Ethiopian troops are stationed in other regions under a bilateral agreement.

Egypt, which has had longstanding disagreements with Ethiopia over the construction of a large hydro dam on the Nile's headwaters, has condemned the Somaliland agreement.

In January, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi expressed solidarity with Somalia, affirming that Cairo would not allow any threats to Somalia's security.

Moreover, Egypt has indicated a willingness to contribute troops to a new peacekeeping mission in Somalia, although there have been no recent public statements on the issue from Cairo.

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