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On the sidelines of the Extraordinary Arab and Islamic Summit in Riyadh, Egypt and Somalia held pivotal discussions to bolster their alliance in the Horn of Africa. Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty met with his Somali counterpart, Ahmed Moalim Fiqi, to discuss defense and cooperation initiatives amid increasing regional tensions, particularly with Ethiopia. The summit served as a key platform for both nations to reiterate shared concerns about Ethiopia’s recent agreements in the region, which Cairo and Mogadishu view as threats to stability.
Egypt Reaffirms Support for Somalia’s Sovereignty
During the meeting, Foreign Minister Abdelatty expressed Egypt’s commitment to supporting Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, firmly opposing foreign interference in Somalia’s internal matters. Egypt has pledged to join the upcoming African Union Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), which will replace the current AU mission in January 2025. Abdelatty emphasized Egypt’s readiness to assist Somalia in its fight against terrorism, with Egyptian equipment and personnel already positioned in Mogadishu to aid operations against Al Shabab.
Growing Alliance Between Egypt, Somalia, and Eritrea
Egypt’s collaboration with Somalia marks a critical shift in regional dynamics. Experts indicate that this alliance may soon expand to include Eritrea, creating a united front in the Horn of Africa. Ambassador Salah Halima, former Assistant Minister for Sudanese Affairs, commented on the significance of these growing partnerships, suggesting they could lead to broader economic and security benefits for the region. However, Ethiopian authorities reportedly view this collaboration as a strategic threat.
Tensions Rise Over Ethiopia’s Deal with Somaliland
At the heart of the current friction is Ethiopia’s agreement with Somaliland, signed in January 2024, granting Ethiopia access to the Red Sea through the Berbera port. In exchange, Ethiopia has offered to recognize Somaliland as an independent republic—a status unrecognized internationally since Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991. The deal has drawn criticism from Arab nations, including Egypt, and has led to Somali Defense Minister Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur’s announcement that Ethiopian forces will be excluded from AUSSOM due to alleged violations of Somalia’s territorial sovereignty.
Regional Concerns Over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam
The tensions over Somaliland are compounded by Egypt and Ethiopia’s ongoing dispute over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), which Cairo believes threatens its water security. Analysts suggest that Ethiopia’s actions in both the GERD issue and the Somaliland port deal reflect a broader attempt to assert influence in the region, which could result in further escalations.
Egypt and Somalia Call for Regional Unity
Both ministers reaffirmed their nations’ commitment to addressing these challenges through diplomatic collaboration and mutual support. Egypt’s involvement in Somalia’s peacekeeping efforts is part of a larger vision for regional stability, as Egypt aims to support infrastructure, economic growth, and security initiatives that could benefit the Horn of Africa.
Egyptian and Somali officials have expressed optimism about the prospects for their joint initiatives. With growing concerns over Ethiopian policies, this strengthened alliance underscores the need for regional partnerships to counterbalance rising tensions.