Getty Images reports that the leaders of Egypt and Somalia have developed a close relationship this year, causing concerns in Ethiopia. The military alliance between Somalia and Egypt has stirred tensions in the fragile Horn of Africa, particularly upsetting Ethiopia. There are fears that the situation could escalate beyond just verbal disputes. The arrival of two Egyptian military planes in Mogadishu this week, as part of a deal signed during a visit by the Somali president to Cairo in August, has further heightened tensions. The plan involves up to 5,000 Egyptian soldiers joining an African Union force by the end of the year, with another 5,000 potentially being deployed separately. Ethiopia, a key ally of Somalia in the fight against al-Qaeda-linked militants, is at odds with Egypt over a dam on the River Nile. Ethiopia has expressed concern about destabilization in the region and Somalia’s defense minister has warned against interference. The strained relations between Ethiopia and Somalia are linked to Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s desire for a port for his landlocked country. Getty Images Ethiopia lost its access to the sea when Eritrea seceded in the early 1990s. On New Year’s Day, Mr Abiy signed a controversial deal with the self-declared republic of Somaliland to lease a 20km (12-mile) section of its coastline for 50 years to set up a naval base. This move could potentially lead to Ethiopia officially recognizing the breakaway republic – something Somaliland is actively pushing for. However, Somalia views this deal as an act of aggression and fears it may encourage other countries to recognize Somaliland’s independence. Additionally, neighboring Djibouti is concerned that this deal could harm its port-dependent economy, as Ethiopia has traditionally relied on Djibouti for imports. In an attempt to deescalate tensions, Djibouti has offered Ethiopia “100%” access to one of its ports, specifically the port of Tadjoura located 100km (62 miles) from the Ethiopia border. The situation remains tense, with diplomatic efforts by Turkey failing to calm tensions between the involved parties.
