Mogadishu, Somalia – September 23, 2024
In a significant development, an Egyptian military cargo ship arrived in Mogadishu over the weekend, delivering the largest shipment of military aid to Somalia since the United Nations lifted its arms embargo on the country in December 2023. The shipment, which includes heavy artillery, anti-tank weapons, and armored vehicles, marks a substantial boost to Somalia’s defense capabilities as it confronts internal security challenges and complex regional dynamics.
The delivery was received by Somalia’s Defense Minister Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur and Army Chief Brigadier General Ibrahim Sheikh Muhiyadin at the port of Mogadishu. Security around the port was heightened, with roads blocked off as the weapons were transported to military bases and defense facilities.
The military aid is part of a broader defense pact signed between Egypt and Somalia in August 2024, during Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s visit to Cairo. The agreement seeks to strengthen military cooperation between the two nations, but it has also raised concerns in the region, particularly in Ethiopia.
Tensions between Somalia and Ethiopia have been rising since Ethiopia signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Somaliland—a self-declared autonomous region in northern Somalia—regarding port access. This agreement has heightened tensions in Mogadishu, given Somaliland’s push for independence and Ethiopia’s expanding influence in the region.
Reports suggest Egypt may even station up to 10,000 soldiers in Somalia under the new defense pact, raising questions about the broader implications for regional security. Some analysts view Egypt’s increased involvement as a strategic move to counter Ethiopia’s growing power, particularly in light of ongoing tensions between Cairo and Addis Ababa over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD).
The delivery also comes as Somalia ramps up efforts to reclaim territory from al-Shabab militants and other armed groups. The lifting of the UN arms embargo was seen as a pivotal moment for Somalia, allowing it to modernize its military and better combat internal threats. However, officials in Puntland, a semi-autonomous region of Somalia, have voiced concerns. The region’s Interior Minister described the lifting of the embargo as a “big mistake,” pointing to Somalia’s political divisions and the risk of escalating violence.
As Egypt deepens its military ties with Somalia, the Horn of Africa faces increasing uncertainty. The defense pact and the influx of military aid are viewed as both a strategic alliance and a potential flashpoint in an already volatile region. How this growing military cooperation between Egypt and Somalia will impact relations with neighboring Ethiopia remains a critical question moving forward.
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