Egypt's First Military Aid to Somalia in Decades

Egypt has sent its first military aid to Somalia in over 40 years, escalating tensions between Somalia and Ethiopia. The move follows a controversial deal between Ethiopia and Somaliland. Egypt has condemned the deal and signed a security pact with Somalia, offering to send troops for a new peacekeeping mission.

Egypt delivered its first military aid to Somalia in over four decades on Tuesday, according to three diplomatic and Somali government sources. The move may heighten tensions between Somalia and Ethiopia.

This year, Egypt and Somalia have grown closer after Ethiopia struck a preliminary agreement with the breakaway Somaliland region to lease coastal land in exchange for possible recognition of its independence from Somalia.

The Somali government criticized the deal, labeling it an assault on its sovereignty and vowing to block it. Egypt, embroiled in a long-standing dispute with Ethiopia over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, also condemned the agreement. Earlier this month, Egypt signed a security pact with Somalia and proposed sending troops for a new peacekeeping mission in Somalia.

(With inputs from agencies.)