ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia: Ethiopia has raised concerns that a new African Union-led mission in Somalia, set to replace the existing AU peacekeeping force, could exacerbate tensions in East Africa. The mission, known as AUSSOM, aims to continue the fight against the Al-Shabab extremist group.
However, Ethiopia claims the mission is “fraught with dangers” and accuses Somalia of working with unnamed actors to destabilize the Horn of Africa.
Ethiopia’s concerns intensified following Egypt’s announcement of military aid to Somalia, a move that could escalate tensions between Cairo and Addis Ababa.
The two countries have been at odds over Ethiopia’s $4.2 billion Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) on the Blue Nile, which Egypt sees as a threat to its water security.
Negotiations between Ethiopia, Egypt, and Sudan over the dam have stalled, leaving relations strained.
The situation is further complicated by Ethiopia’s contentious maritime agreement with Somaliland, a region seeking independence from Somalia.
This has soured relations between Addis Ababa and Mogadishu. Meanwhile, Egypt and Somalia have strengthened ties, signing a military cooperation agreement and potentially positioning Egypt as a key player in Somalia’s security landscape.
Egypt is set to deploy forces to support Somali security following the withdrawal of the current AU peacekeeping force, ATMIS, by the end of 2024.
Ethiopia has vowed to monitor the situation closely, warning that it cannot “stand idle” while actions are taken that could destabilize the region. As tensions rise, Ethiopia and other regional actors are concerned about the potential fallout from these new developments.
