Egypt has delivered its first military aid to Somalia in more than four decades, according to diplomatic and Somali government sources. According to reports, this move is expected to heighten tensions with Ethiopia.
The relationship between Egypt and Somalia has strengthened recently, following Ethiopia’s preliminary deal with Somaliland—a breakaway region of Somalia—to lease coastal land in exchange for potential recognition of Somaliland’s independence. Somalia views the deal as a violation of its sovereignty and has vowed to block it by any means necessary.
Egypt, which has long been at odds with Ethiopia over the construction of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam on the Nile River, condemned the Somaliland deal. In response, Egypt signed a security pact with Somalia earlier this month and offered to send troops for a new peacekeeping mission in the country.
Somalia has also threatened to expel Ethiopia’s troops—numbering up to 10,000—if the Somaliland deal proceeds. These troops are currently in Somalia as part of a peacekeeping mission and bilateral agreements to combat the Al-Shabaab militant group.
Yesterday, two Egyptian military planes arrived at Mogadishu airport, carrying weapons and ammunition, according to two diplomats and a senior Somali official who spoke anonymously to Reuters. A video circulating on social media showed the planes on the tarmac, confirming the delivery.
One diplomat warned that Somalia is “playing with fire” by importing Egyptian arms, potentially antagonising Ethiopia.
Earlier this month, Egypt’s offer to contribute troops to a new peacekeeping mission in Somalia was highlighted in an African Union communiqué, although Cairo has yet to publicly comment on this matter.
Meanwhile, Turkiye has facilitated two rounds of indirect talks between Somalia and Ethiopia over the Somaliland deal, with a third round expected next month. While Ethiopia seeks access to the sea, Somalia remains firm in its stance that Somaliland is an integral part of its territory, despite Somaliland’s practical autonomy for over 30 years without international recognition.