Egypt Bolsters Somalia’s Military Might: Warship Delivers Massive Arms Shipment
- Mogadishu has accused its neighbor, Ethiopia, of smuggling weapons into Somalia, sparking fears that they could end up in the hands of extremist Islamic groups.
- The accusation comes after an Egyptian warship unloaded a shipment of heavy weapons in Somalia's capital, Mogadishu, the second such delivery since a security deal was signed between...
- The conflict between Ethiopia and Somalia has been ongoing, with Ethiopia having thousands of troops in Somalia to combat al-Qaeda-linked militants.
Somalia Accuses Ethiopia of Smuggling Weapons Amid Fears of Extremist Groups
Mogadishu has accused its neighbor, Ethiopia, of smuggling weapons into Somalia, sparking fears that they could end up in the hands of extremist Islamic groups.
The accusation comes after an Egyptian warship unloaded a shipment of heavy weapons in Somalia’s capital, Mogadishu, the second such delivery since a security deal was signed between the two countries in August.
The conflict between Ethiopia and Somalia has been ongoing, with Ethiopia having thousands of troops in Somalia to combat al-Qaeda-linked militants. However, Addis Ababa’s attempt to build a port in the breakaway region of Somaliland has led to tensions between the two countries.
The dispute has led to an accord between Somalia and Egypt, which had been in a years-long dispute with Ethiopia over the construction of a large hydroelectric dam on the Nile.
Ethiopia’s Foreign Minister, Taeyeon Atseki-Selassie, expressed concerns that “weapons from external powers would worsen the fragile security situation and reach terrorists in Somalia.”
Somalia’s Foreign Minister, Ahmed Moalim Faki, responded by accusing Ethiopia of attempting to cover up the illegal smuggling of weapons across the Somali border, which could fall into the hands of civilians and terrorists.
Although no evidence was provided to support the allegations, the minister claimed that Ethiopia was trying to distract attention from the violation of Somalia’s sovereignty.
Egyptian Arms Shipment to Somalia Raises Tensions
Details have emerged regarding the delivery of a large arms shipment to Somalia by an Egyptian warship, including anti-aircraft guns and artillery weapons.
Egypt’s foreign ministry confirmed the delivery in an official statement, stating that the shipment was part of Egypt’s support for Somalia’s efforts to achieve security and stability, fight against terrorism, and protect its sovereignty.
The shipment has raised tensions between Somalia and Ethiopia, with Somalia accusing Ethiopia of transferring weapons to the semi-autonomous state of Puntland.
Somalia has threatened to expel Ethiopian forces by the end of the year if it does not withdraw from the port deal.
The UN Security Council lifted the arms embargo imposed on Somalia for more than three decades last December.
Analysts have expressed concerns that the influx of weapons could fall into the wrong hands, such as members of the extremist al-Shabaab movement.
Rashid Abdi, an analyst at the Sahan Research Center, stated that al-Shabaab is a major beneficiary of the situation, having amassed a large amount of weapons by raiding enemy bases in 2023.