Egyptian arms shipment raises concerns in Somaliland

The arms shipment marks the second major delivery from Egypt in a month, reflecting a strengthening alliance between Egypt and Somalia amid deteriorating relations with Ethiopia. The backdrop of this development includes Ethiopia’s controversial agreement with Somaliland to lease land for a port, which Somalia perceives as a violation of its sovereignty. As tensions escalate, Somaliland’s foreign affairs ministry has expressed alarm over the proliferation of arms, warning that it could trigger an arms race among various factions in the region. This situation is compounded by Egypt’s long-standing rivalry with Ethiopia over water rights related to the Nile River, further complicating the dynamics in the Horn of Africa.

Context of the Arms Shipment

• Military Deliveries: The recent shipment follows an earlier delivery in August, which was part of a security pact signed between Egypt and Somalia. This agreement has led to increased military cooperation, with Egypt providing military support as Somalia seeks to bolster its defenses against threats from groups like al-Shabaab.

• Somaliland’s Position: Somaliland, which has declared independence but is not internationally recognized, is particularly concerned about the implications of these arms deliveries. The region’s government fears that the influx of weapons could empower militant factions and destabilize the already fragile security environment.

• Regional Tensions: The situation is further complicated by Ethiopia’s military presence in Somalia, where it has deployed troops as part of an African Union peacekeeping mission. Ethiopia has expressed its discontent with Somalia’s growing ties to Egypt, viewing it as a maneuver that could destabilize the region.

• Public Sentiment: Somali officials, including Defense Minister Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur, have indicated a shift in Somalia’s foreign policy, emphasizing the country’s right to choose its allies without external influence. This sentiment reflects a broader trend of changing alliances in the Horn of Africa, where historical relationships are being re-evaluated in light of current geopolitical dynamics.