MOGADISHU, Somalia — Egypt has significantly escalated its military support to Somalia by delivering a large shipment of heavy weaponry, marking the most substantial arms transfer since the United Nations lifted its embargo on Somalia in December 2023. The Port of Mogadishu was briefly shut down to commercial traffic to facilitate the arrival of the Egyptian military cargo, which included field guns, anti-tank weapons, and armored personnel carriers (APCs).
This military aid is a direct result of a defense pact recently signed between Egypt and Somalia, aimed at enhancing Somalia’s capabilities in combating internal threats like Al-Shabaab. The move not only underscores Cairo’s deepening military engagement in the Horn of Africa but also reflects its strategic positioning against the backdrop of disputes with Ethiopia, particularly over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) and Ethiopia’s controversial maritime access agreement with Somaliland.
The delivery of such advanced military hardware by Egypt to Somalia could either stabilize the region by bolstering Somalia’s fight against insurgency or potentially escalate tensions, given the geopolitical sensitivities involved. Ethiopia, which has been a key player in Somalia’s security, has expressed concerns over this military buildup, viewing it as a possible destabilizing factor in the Horn of Africa.
Somalia’s Defense Minister emphasized the country’s sovereign right to forge alliances that secure its national interests, highlighting the strategic significance of the military aid from Egypt. This development comes at a time when Somalia has been at odds with Ethiopia over various issues, including Ethiopia’s agreement with Somaliland, which Somalia considers a violation of its territorial integrity.
The influx of Egyptian military aid into Somalia, escorted by the Egyptian stealth corvette ENS Port Said, signifies a notable shift in regional power dynamics, potentially altering the balance of influence in the Horn of Africa. Observers note that while this aid might help Somalia in its internal security challenges, it could also heighten existing tensions with neighboring countries, particularly Ethiopia, which has been both a partner and a rival in regional politics.
Horn Life
