Egyptian ship delivers weapons to Somalia

Recent reports indicate that an Egyptian ship has delivered a significant shipment of military equipment to Somalia, heightening security concerns in the region. This delivery marks the second such instance in a month and has been confirmed by security officials in Mogadishu, the Somali capital. The Somali Defence Minister, Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur, expressed gratitude towards Egypt on social media, though he refrained from specifying the nature of the military supplies.

This move by Egypt comes amid deteriorating relations between Somalia and Ethiopia, a former ally. As tensions escalate in the Horn of Africa, Egypt appears to be strengthening its ties with Somalia, which raises alarms about the shifting geopolitical dynamics in the region. According to reports from Reuters, the military cargo that arrived on Sunday included anti-aircraft guns and artillery. A BBC journalist in Mogadishu reported witnessing the transportation of these weapons through the streets of the city.

In his social media post, Minister Nur showcased a photo of himself looking at a naval vessel, stating, “Somalia has passed the stage where they were dictated to and awaited the affirmation of others on who it will engage with. We know our own interests, and we will choose between our allies and our enemies. Thank you, Egypt.” This sentiment reflects Somalia’s desire for greater autonomy in its international relationships, especially amid changing alliances in the Horn of Africa.

Ethiopia has historically supported Somalia’s government in its ongoing battle against the al-Qaeda-affiliated militant group al-Shabab. However, tensions have escalated due to Ethiopia’s recent agreement with Somaliland, a self-declared republic that Somalia considers part of its territory. The deal, which involves leasing a section of Somaliland’s coastline, has infuriated Somali officials.

The diplomatic strain between Egypt and Ethiopia has persisted for over a decade, largely due to Ethiopia’s construction of a vast hydroelectric dam on the Nile River. This project is viewed by Egypt as a potential threat to its water supply, which is crucial for the country’s survival.

In response to the recent arms shipment, Somaliland’s ministry of foreign affairs issued a statement expressing alarm over the potential for escalating arms proliferation in a fragile environment. They warned that this could spark an arms race, with various factions seeking to stockpile weapons to protect their interests.

Adding to the regional tensions, Egypt advised its citizens in Somaliland to evacuate for security reasons, underscoring the rising concerns in the area. This latest shipment of weapons is not the first; in August, two Egyptian military planes transported arms and ammunition to Mogadishu. That earlier delivery followed a deal signed during Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s state visit to Cairo.

Ethiopia responded to the arms deliveries by asserting it could not remain passive while other nations took actions that might destabilize the region. Somalia’s Defence Minister countered these remarks, urging Ethiopia to refrain from “wailing” and suggesting that all parties would face consequences for their actions, reflecting the deteriorating diplomatic relations.

Currently, Ethiopia maintains approximately 3,000 troops in Somalia as part of an African Union force aimed at supporting the Somali government. Additionally, there are plans for up to 5,000 Egyptian soldiers to join a restructured African Union force by the end of the year, alongside another contingent of 5,000 troops to be deployed separately.

These developments signal a potential shift in the balance of power in the Horn of Africa, with Egypt and Somalia forging a closer alliance at a time when Ethiopia finds itself increasingly isolated. As the situation evolves, the implications of this military cooperation and shifting alliances will likely have significant consequences for stability in the region.

In summary, the delivery of weapons from Egypt to Somalia represents not just a military transaction, but a broader realignment of relationships in the Horn of Africa, driven by longstanding rivalries and emerging geopolitical realities.