Garowe (Halbeeg News) – Puntland state has accused Egypt of using Somalia’s long-standing dispute with Ethiopia as a strategic tool to protect its interests in the Nile river.
“Egypt has intervened in Somalia for its own benefit. They are fighting for the Nile, while Ethiopia is focused on securing its water access. But Egypt wants to turn us into a pawn in their broader struggle,” Juha said.
Historically, Juha claimed that Egypt has continuously undermined efforts to build a stable Somali government saying that during past peace talks, the Northern Africa nation was one of the nations that sided with warlords, complicating the path to stability.
“Egypt’s agenda in Somalia is much bigger than simply offering help. Their presence here could bring serious risks,” he said.
The allegations come amid heightened tensions following a military cooperation agreement between Egypt and Somalia, which reportedly includes the deployment of up to 10,000 Egyptian soldiers to Somalia who will join the African Union’s peacekeeping mission.
The move, part of a defence deal signed in Cairo in August, has raised concerns in neighbouring Ethiopia, which views Egypt’s presence in Somalia as a threat to its security.
Discussion about this post