Egypt is set to deploy a peacekeeping force in Somalia under the African Union Support Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) amid reservation by Ethiopia which neither protests nor accepts the involvement of Egyptian troops in AUSSOM.
The move has not been welcomed by the Ethiopian executives who warned that the presence of Ethiopian and Egyptian troops in AUSSOM could trigger conflict between them.
Egypt, which has opted for a more aggressive approach in its duel with Ethiopia over the Nile Dam, mobilized military hardware and support for Somalia last year.
On Monday, a 16-member Egyptian Armed Forces delegation arrived in Mogadishu for a reconnaissance mission ahead of Cairo’s planned deployment.
Ethiopia’s ambassador to Somalia, Suleiman Dedefo, told Somali media recently that Addis Ababa is “neither threatened nor comfortable” with the presence of Egyptian forces in Somalia.
He said that Egypt’s role does not constitute a direct threat, he added, “as long as they don’t try to challenge our forces.”
Suleiman was also quoted as saying, “If they [Egyptians] are to be of any use, it would be in neighboring countries such as Palestine, Libya, or Sudan.” His remarks came a day after Egyptian troops completed their first training program for AUSSOM deployment.
The Egyptian delegation, led by Major General Islam Radwan was received by officers from AUSSOM and the Somali National Armed Forces (SNAF).
They later held discussions with AUSSOM leadership, including the Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (SRCC) and Head of Mission, Ambassador El Hadji Ibrahima Diene, and attended a security briefing at AUSSOM Force Headquarters.
MG/abj/APA