Egypt has announced that its troops will join the new African Union peacekeeping force in Somalia.
Egypt’s foreign minister announced on Monday that his country would join the new African Union peacekeeping force in Somalia, following growing rapprochement between Cairo and Mogadishu after tensions with Ethiopia.
At a joint press conference with his Somali counterpart Ahmed Mualim Fiqi in Cairo, Badr Abdelatty stated, “Egypt has decided to participate in this mission at the request of the Somali government and with the welcome of the African Union Peace and Security Council.”
Tensions in the Horn of Africa escalated after Ethiopia signed a maritime jurisdiction agreement with Somaliland in January, bringing Mogadishu closer to Cairo, Addis Ababa’s regional rival.
Abdelatty’s announcement came as the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) is set to conclude on December 31, to be replaced by the new Somali African Union Support and Stabilization Mission (AUSSOM), aimed at combating Al-Shabaab militants.
‘Historic’ rapprochement
On Monday, Abdelatty reaffirmed “Somalia’s sovereignty over all its national territories” and rejected “any impositions or unilateral measures affecting Somalia’s unity, sovereignty, and security.”
Earlier this month, Turkey brokered a deal between Somalia and Ethiopia, ending nearly a year of intense disputes.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan described the development as “historic,” with the talks welcomed by the African Union, Washington, and Brussels.
Somalia had previously announced the removal of Ethiopian troops from the African Union peacekeeping force but welcomed Egypt’s participation.
Strategic partnership
Egypt’s top diplomat did not disclose details about the extent of Cairo’s involvement in the force but emphasized that both countries are working toward a strategic partnership.
In August, Egypt signed a military cooperation agreement with Somalia during Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s visit to Cairo.
In October, a summit in Asmara saw Egypt, Eritrea, and Somalia form a new regional alliance that excluded Ethiopia.
Cairo has long-standing tensions with Addis Ababa, particularly over the massive Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) on the Blue Nile, which Cairo claims threatens its vital water resources.
