Friday, November 1, 2024
HomeEast AfricaEgypt Backs Somalia for Stability, Not Against Ethiopia: El-Sisi

Egypt Backs Somalia for Stability, Not Against Ethiopia: El-Sisi

CAIRO, Egypt — In a recent statement, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi has articulated the reasons behind Egypt’s support for Somalia, emphasizing national stability over regional rivalry, particularly in light of recent geopolitical tensions involving Ethiopia.

President El-Sisi, speaking at a police academy graduation ceremony, outlined Egypt’s commitment to Somalia as rooted in a desire to aid the country in overcoming decades of instability rather than as a direct countermeasure to Ethiopian actions. “We support them because they have been in a state of instability for 30 years,” El-Sisi stated, reflecting on the historical and strategic ties between Cairo and Mogadishu.

This statement comes amidst heightened military and diplomatic activities, including the arrival of Egyptian military aid in Somalia and a defense pact signed earlier in the year. The pact, aimed at bolstering security cooperation, was seen as a significant step in Egypt’s foreign policy towards the Horn of Africa, a region fraught with complexities due to Ethiopia’s controversial agreements with Somaliland.

Ethiopia’s deal with Somaliland, which provides Addis Ababa with access to the Red Sea, has been a point of contention, viewed by Somalia as a violation of its sovereignty. Egypt’s Foreign Minister, at the United Nations General Assembly, echoed El-Sisi’s sentiments, condemning actions that threaten Somalia’s sovereignty, thereby positioning Egypt as a stabilizer in regional dynamics.

The support from Egypt extends beyond military aid. President El-Sisi has highlighted Egypt’s role in fostering Somalia’s state-building efforts, economic development, and combating terrorism. This includes initiatives like the opening of a Banque Misr branch in Somalia, aimed at enhancing economic ties.

El-Sisi’s remarks are also a response to the broader implications of Ethiopia’s actions on regional stability. The Egyptian leader’s call for adherence to international norms in water and land rights indirectly references ongoing disputes with Ethiopia over the Nile River’s Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD). Egypt sees its engagement with Somalia not just as support for a fellow African nation but as part of a broader strategy to assert its influence in regional stability, particularly around critical waterways like the Red Sea.

This approach underscores Egypt’s foreign policy of leveraging historical alliances and strategic interests to maintain balance in a region where competition for resources and strategic positions is intense. By supporting Somalia, Egypt not only aims to counterbalance potential Ethiopian expansionism but also to ensure the security of its own interests in the Red Sea, a vital trade route.

President El-Sisi’s statements and Egypt’s actions towards Somalia illustrate a strategy of proactive engagement in regional affairs, aiming to stabilize allies while subtly maneuvering within the complex geopolitical chessboard of the Horn of Africa. This policy reflects Egypt’s long-term vision of regional leadership and security, where stability in neighboring countries directly contributes to its national interests.

HORN LIFE

RELATED ARTICLES

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

- Advertisment -
Google search engine

Most Popular

Recent Comments