Egyptian Foreign Minister during his meeting with the US Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa in Washington (Egyptian Foreign Ministry)
- ca: Asharq Al Awsat
07:19-22 September 2024 AD ـ 19 Rabi’ Al-Awwal 1446 AH
Ethiopia has escalated tensions with Somalia by sending a “shipment of ammunition” to the Puntland region in northern Somalia. Mogadishu condemned the move, calling it a “serious violation” of its sovereignty.
Meanwhile, Egypt has emphasized the need for stability in Somalia and respect for its territorial integrity.
Experts warn that Ethiopia’s actions threaten regional security. Relations between the two countries worsened earlier this year when Addis Ababa signed a deal with the breakaway Somaliland region, allowing it access to the Red Sea for trade and military purposes.
The agreement faced opposition from Egypt and other Arab nations.
Somalia’s foreign ministry condemned the shipment of weapons to Puntland, describing it as an “illegal act” and a “grave violation of sovereignty.”
It urged Ethiopia to respect international law and called on regional and international partners to condemn Ethiopia’s actions and support peace efforts in the region.
Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty reiterated Cairo’s commitment to Somalia’s stability and sovereignty during talks with US officials in Washington.
He emphasized that Egypt supports Somalia’s central institutions to secure the Bab al-Mandab Strait, combat terrorism, and curb illegal migration.
Abdelatty said Egypt’s backing for Somalia aligns with its role in promoting regional peace and security under UN principles, the African Union’s founding charter, and the Arab League’s charter.
He added that Egypt is helping Somalia build its security and military capabilities.
Egypt and Somalia have recently strengthened their ties. In August, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud signed a military cooperation agreement in Cairo.
Sisi also announced that Egypt would join the African Union peacekeeping forces in Somalia from January.
In late August, Somalia announced the arrival of Egyptian military equipment and personnel in Mogadishu as part of Egypt’s peacekeeping efforts. Ethiopia opposed this, claiming it poses risks to the region and warning it “will not stand idly by.”