Somalia confirms security pact with Egypt, similar to U.S. and Turkey agreements
Source: Hiiraan Online, Wednesday October 9, 2024
Mogadishu (HOL) – Somali government has defended its recent security agreement with Egypt, calling it similar to existing partnerships with the U.S., Turkey, the European Union, and Gulf nations.
Somali National Security Adviser Hussein Sheikh Ali confirmed that Egyptian forces could participate in the upcoming African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), which is set to replace the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) by January 2025.
Ali emphasized that any decision regarding Egypt’s involvement is solely at the discretion of the Somali government. The new mission aims to support Somalia’s security forces and safeguard African Union personnel.
In September, Egypt delivered a second major cache of weaponry to Somalia, including anti-aircraft guns and artillery, as part of their security agreement—a move that Ethiopia condemned.
Both Egypt and Djibouti have offered their support for the new African Union mission, a move welcomed by Somalia as part of its broader efforts to stabilize the country.
A few days ago, Somali Defense Minister Abdukhadir Mohamed Noor reiterated that Ethiopian forces would not participate in the upcoming African Union Support Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) unless Ethiopia withdraws from the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Somaliland.
The MOU grants Ethiopia leasing rights to the Red Sea coastline in the breakaway region, allowing Ethiopia to build a naval base in return for diplomatic recognition.
Somali Foreign Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi accused the Ethiopian government of using counterterrorism as a pretext to annex Somali territory. Speaking at the United Nations Security Council, Fiqi alleged that Somalia had intercepted illegal arms shipments from Ethiopia intended to fuel local conflicts, describing these actions as a “blatant violation” of Somalia’s sovereignty.