Somalia approves defense agreement with Egypt

Somalia has ratified a defense agreement with Egypt aimed at bolstering the military capabilities of the East African nation, which has been engaged in a prolonged conflict with Al Shabaab terrorists.

The deal, originally struck in January, was ratified late Friday during an extraordinary cabinet meeting, as local and regional media outlets reported.

While the agreement’s specific details remain undisclosed, Mogadishu-based Xamar Online suggests that it includes provisions for joint military training and intelligence sharing.

These measures are intended to address shared security challenges and promote regional stability.

Context of regional disputes

This development follows heightened tensions between Somalia and Ethiopia over a maritime dispute. Early this year, Ethiopia reached an agreement with Somali land under Türkiye’s meditation.

During a joint media briefing with Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mahmoud in Cairo, Egypt President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi stated Egypt would not tolerate threats to Somalia’s security or territorial integrity.

El-Sisi suggested that Ethiopia, a landlocked country, use ports in Somalia and Djibouti for maritime trade instead of attempting to control another country’s land through the 50-year agreement with Somalia.

Calls for dialogue, international support

Despite Ethiopia’s reliance on Djibouti for maritime trade and its denial of any intentions to grab Somaliland, Mogadishu has sought international backing against the Ethiopia-Somali deal.

Though Somalia initially rejected regional proposals for a diplomatic resolution, Türkiye announced last month that officials from the East African nations had agreed to engage in dialogue to resolve the dispute.