ALBAWABA- Egypt has delivered its first military aid to Somalia in over 40 years, a move that could escalate tensions with Ethiopia, according to diplomatic and Somali government sources.
According to U.S.News, this development follows Ethiopia’s controversial agreement with Somaliland to lease coastal land, which Somalia views as a violation of its sovereignty.
Egypt, long at odds with Ethiopia over the Nile River dam project, condemned the Somaliland deal and recently signed a security pact with Somalia.
Cairo has also offered to contribute troops to a new peacekeeping mission in Somalia, raising concerns about potential direct confrontation with Ethiopia.
On Tuesday, two Egyptian military planes arrived in Mogadishu carrying weapons and ammunition. A senior Somali official and diplomats confirmed the delivery, with one diplomat warning that Somalia is "playing with fire" by antagonizing Ethiopia.
Somalia has previously threatened to expel Ethiopia’s 10,000 peacekeeping troops if the Somaliland deal proceeds. The Ethiopian and Somali governments, as well as Egypt, have not commented on the situation.
Analysts suggest that while the risk of direct conflict between Egypt and Ethiopia remains low, a proxy war could emerge. Indirect talks between Somalia and Ethiopia, hosted by Turkey, are ongoing, with the next round expected soon.
Ethiopia insists on securing sea access, while Somalia maintains that Somaliland, despite its autonomy, remains part of its territory.
