Egypt's Recent Military Aid to Somalia Heightens Regional Tensions

Egypt sent its first military aid to Somalia in over four decades, intensifying regional tensions with Ethiopia. This comes after Ethiopia's controversial deal with Somaliland, which Somalia opposes. Egypt has condemned the deal and offered to send troops to Somalia, risking potential conflicts in the Horn of Africa.

Egypt delivered its first military aid to Somalia in more than four decades on Tuesday, diplomatic and Somali government sources confirmed. The move is anticipated to escalate tensions between Egypt, Somalia, and Ethiopia.

This year has seen Egypt and Somalia strengthening ties after Ethiopia signed a deal with Somaliland, offering land lease in exchange for potential recognition of Somaliland's independence from Somalia—a deal that Mogadishu deems an affront to its sovereignty.

Potential conflict looms as Egypt condemned the Somaliland deal and signed a security pact with Somalia, including a pledge to contribute troops to a new peacekeeping mission. The arrival of Egyptian military planes in Mogadishu has further stirred the region, as analysts warn of possible proxy conflicts despite a low risk of direct confrontation.

(With inputs from agencies.)