Tensions between Ethiopia and Egypt are escalating over Somalia, as both countries accuse each other of interference and undermining regional stability. The friction stems from their differing positions on Somalia’s political landscape and their interests in the Horn of Africa, a region already fraught with geopolitical complexities.
The latest dispute began after Ethiopia accused Egypt of attempting to destabilize the Horn of Africa by supporting groups that oppose Ethiopia’s interests in Somalia. Ethiopian officials allege that Egypt is backing factions within Somalia that are against the Ethiopian government’s influence in the region. Addis Ababa sees this as a direct threat to its security, given Somalia’s proximity and the historical ties between the two nations.
Egypt, on the other hand, has denied these allegations and accused Ethiopia of using Somalia as a pawn in its broader regional ambitions. Cairo argues that its involvement in Somalia is purely for fostering peace and stability in the region, a claim Ethiopia disputes. Egyptian officials have pointed out that Ethiopia’s accusations are a diversion from its internal issues and challenges related to the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), a massive hydropower project on the Nile River that has been a source of tension between the two countries for years.
Ethiopian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Meles Alem said that Egypt’s actions in Somalia are part of a broader strategy to create instability in the region. “Egypt is attempting to manipulate Somali factions to weaken Ethiopia’s influence and destabilize the Horn of Africa,” Alem stated. “This is not about Somalia; it’s about Egypt trying to exert its influence over Ethiopia through indirect means.”
Egyptian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Ahmed Hafez responded by rejecting Ethiopia’s claims, calling them “baseless and misleading.” Hafez emphasized that Egypt’s involvement in Somalia is aimed at supporting peace and aiding development, and accused Ethiopia of using Somalia as a battleground for its own geopolitical games. “Egypt has always respected Somalia’s sovereignty and worked towards regional peace,” Hafez said. “Ethiopia’s attempts to drag Egypt into their internal and regional conflicts are unfounded and inappropriate.”
Somalia finds itself caught in the middle of this growing rift between the two powerful African nations. The country, which is recovering from decades of civil war and is still battling extremist groups like al-Shabab, relies heavily on regional support for stability. Somali leaders have expressed concern over being drawn into the conflict and have called for both Ethiopia and Egypt to respect Somalia’s sovereignty and independence.
Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, in a recent address, urged both nations to resolve their differences diplomatically. “Somalia seeks peace and stability and should not be a battleground for other countries’ conflicts,” Mohamud said. “We encourage all parties to engage in constructive dialogue and respect the sovereignty of nations in the Horn of Africa.”
The conflict between Ethiopia and Egypt is not new. The two nations have been at odds over several issues, particularly the construction of the GERD on the Blue Nile, which Egypt views as an existential threat to its water supply. Ethiopia, however, sees the dam as essential for its economic development and electricity generation. The tension over the dam has spilled over into other areas of regional politics, including their respective roles in Somalia.
As the diplomatic row continues, there are fears that the conflict could escalate, further destabilizing the already volatile Horn of Africa. Regional analysts warn that if Ethiopia and Egypt do not find a way to resolve their differences, the impact could be felt across East Africa, potentially igniting broader conflicts involving multiple countries.
For now, the international community is watching closely, urging both countries to engage in dialogue and avoid actions that could exacerbate tensions. The hope is that through diplomatic means, Ethiopia and Egypt can find common ground and prevent their disputes from spilling over into broader regional instability.
Source: AP News
