Africa

Egypt reaffirms full support for Somalia amid rising tensions with Ethiopia

Egypt’s Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly (right) meets outgoing Somalia Ambassador to Egypt Elias Sheikh Omar Abu Bakr at the Cabinet headquarters in the New Administrative Capital in Cairo on June 27, 2024 (Photo: Daily News)

By Mwangi Maina | Monday, May 27, 2024

Egyptian Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouli emphasised that Somalia's stability is crucial for regional security

Egyptian Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouli reiterated his country's steadfast support for Somalia during a meeting with Somali Ambassador Elias Sheikh Omar Abu Bakr at the Cabinet headquarters in the New Administrative Capital, 30 miles east of Cairo city.

Madbouli emphasised that Somalia's stability is crucial for regional security and expressed eagerness to enhance cooperation between Egypt and Somalia.

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He also conveyed his best wishes to the Somali Prime Minister, Hamza Abdi Barre, through Ambassador Elias Sheikh.

In response, Elias Sheikh, who is concluding his tenure in Egypt, expressed gratitude to Egyptian institutions for their support and highlighted Somalia's ongoing need for Egypt's assistance amid political and security challenges.

Elias Sheikh also highlighted Cairo's active role in aiding Mogadishu, emphasising that Somalia's stability requires continued support from Arab nations, particularly Egypt.

This reaffirmation of support comes amidst heightened regional tensions involving Somalia and Ethiopia.

In January, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi declared that Cairo would not tolerate threats targetting Somalia's security in response to Ethiopia's agreement with Somaliland, which included plans for a maritime base and access to the port of Berbera.

Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud condemned the deal as a breach of international law and sought regional support during his recent visit to Egypt, where he met with Arab League chief Ahmed Aboul Gheit and Al-Azhar Mosque's Grand Imam, Sheikh Ahmed al-Tayeb.

This development adds complexity to already strained relations between Egypt and Ethiopia, primarily due to disputes over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam on the Blue Nile.

For over a decade, Egypt, Sudan, and Ethiopia have grappled with reaching a consensus on the dam's operation and filling, making it a significant regional issue.

The latest round of talks held last month ended without a deal, with Cairo and Addis Ababa blaming each other for the failure.

Negotiators have said key questions remain about how much water Ethiopia will release downstream if a multiyear drought occurs, and how the countries will resolve any future disputes.