Egypt has reportedly sent arms to Somalia after reaching a security agreement, according to sources

In a significant development, Egypt has recently provided military aid to Somalia after a gap of over forty years. This action is expected to further strain the already tense relations between Egypt, Somalia, and Ethiopia.

Egypt and Somalia have strengthened their ties this year as a result of Ethiopia’s agreement with the breakaway region of Somaliland. The deal involves leasing coastal land in exchange for potential recognition of Somaliland’s independence from Somalia.

The Mogadishu government strongly opposes the deal, viewing it as a direct attack on its sovereignty. They have vowed to take all necessary measures to prevent its implementation.

Egypt has strongly criticized the agreement made by Somaliland, as it has been in disagreement with Ethiopia for a long time regarding the construction of a large hydro dam on the Nile River’s headwaters. It recently entered into a security agreement with Mogadishu and has expressed willingness to contribute troops to a forthcoming peacekeeping operation in Somalia.

There have been previous threats from Somalia to expel Ethiopia’s contingent of up to 10,000 troops. These troops are currently in Somalia as part of a peacekeeping mission and are working under bilateral agreements to combat al Shabaab militants. Somalia has warned that if the deal is not cancelled, they may take action.

Two Egyptian military planes landed at Mogadishu airport on Tuesday morning, carrying weapons and ammunition, according to two diplomats and a senior Somali official who spoke on the condition of anonymity.

The video, which has been verified by Reuters, depicts the planes parked on the airport tarmac.

According to one diplomat, Somalia’s decision to import Egyptian arms and provoke Ethiopia is extremely risky.

No immediate response was received from the foreign ministries of Somalia and Egypt when asked for comment.

Egypt’s commitment to contribute troops to a forthcoming peacekeeping mission in Somalia was made public in a recent African Union communique. No public comments have been made by Cairo regarding the matter.

“The deployment of troops along the border between Egypt and Ethiopia could potentially lead to direct confrontation,” warned Rashid Abdi, an analyst from the Sahan Research think-tank.

“The likelihood of a direct shooting war is minimal, but there is a possibility of a proxy conflict.”

In a statement, Ethiopia’s foreign affairs ministry expressed its concern over the destabilizing actions of certain actors in the region. The country emphasized its commitment to promoting peace and security in Somalia and the surrounding area, and highlighted ongoing discussions aimed at resolving differences with Somalia.

The ministry accused the Government of Somalia of collaborating with external actors to destabilize the region, instead of focusing on peace efforts.

Ethiopia’s statement made no reference to Egypt or its arms delivery to Somalia.

Two rounds of indirect talks have taken place in Turkey since July between Somalia and Ethiopia regarding the Somaliland deal, which has not yet been finalized. Another round is anticipated for next month.

Ethiopia, a country situated far from the coast, expresses the necessity for access to the sea. Mogadishu maintains that Somaliland, despite having practical autonomy for over three decades without international recognition, is a part of Somalia.