Regional Tensions Escalate as Ethiopia Warns of Threat from Egyptian Troops in Somalia
In a stark warning, Ethiopia’s army chief, Field Marshal Berhanu Jula, cautioned on Saturday that the deployment of Egyptian troops to neighboring Somalia poses a significant threat to Ethiopia’s national security. This statement comes amidst heightened regional tensions, sparking concerns about the stability of the Horn of Africa. Speaking before the Ethiopian parliament, Berhanu emphasized the need for careful scrutiny of foreign military deployments in Somalia, which he believes could undermine Ethiopia’s sovereignty and regional stability.
The comments are widely seen as a response to the controversial military agreement signed between Egypt and Somalia in August 2024, allowing up to 10,000 Egyptian troops to be stationed in Somalia. Part of this contingent will operate under the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), while the rest will be directly under Egyptian command. The deal also includes provisions for arms transfers to Somalia, further complicating the regional security landscape.
Ethiopia has long been wary of Egyptian intentions, particularly given their ongoing dispute over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) on the Nile River. While Ethiopia views the dam as crucial for its development, Egypt fears it will jeopardize its vital water supply. The presence of Egyptian troops in Somalia is seen as a strategic encirclement by Ethiopia, which has prompted Berhanu to call for a reassessment of Ethiopia’s military and strategic posture in the region.
The situation is further complicated by a separate agreement between Ethiopia and Somaliland, granting Ethiopia access to the Red Sea through the breakaway region. This move has angered Somalia’s federal government and sparked regional diplomatic tensions. Despite Turkish-mediated talks aimed at easing these tensions, Ethiopia has not formally backed away from the Somaliland deal, indicating a deepening rift in the region.
As the security landscape continues to evolve, Ethiopia’s warning serves as a stark reminder of the delicate balance of power in the Horn of Africa. With regional tensions escalating, the international community will be watching closely to see how this situation unfolds, and what implications it may have for the stability of the region. One thing is certain: the deployment of Egyptian troops in Somalia has set off alarm bells, and Ethiopia is not alone in its concerns about the potential consequences for regional security and stability.
