Ethiopia has raised concerns that a new African Union-led mission, AUSSOM, set to replace the AU peacekeeping force in Somalia by January, could escalate tensions in East Africa, especially after Egypt sent military aid to Somalia.
Addis Ababa warned that the mission could destabilize the region, accusing Somalia of collaborating with unnamed actors.
The concerns follow Egypt’s recent military support to Somalia, heightening tensions with Ethiopia.
Ethiopia and Egypt have long clashed over Ethiopia’s Blue Nile dam, which Egypt sees as a threat to its water security.
The military aid to Somalia by Egypt is likely to worsen relations between Cairo and Addis Ababa.
Relations between Ethiopia and Somalia have also soured, especially after Ethiopia signed a maritime deal with Somaliland in January.
Meanwhile, Egypt and Somalia have strengthened ties, recently signing a military cooperation agreement.
Egypt is expected to be the first to deploy forces to support Somalia’s security after the withdrawal of the AU’s current force, ATMIS.
ATMIS, comprising troops from several East African countries, is scheduled to fully withdraw by the end of 2024.
