Egypt Steps In: New Peacekeeping Efforts in Somalia Unveiled

Egypt has proposed sending peacekeeping troops to Somalia as part of a new stabilisation force. This offer comes amid winding down of the African Union mission. A regional summit in Asmara pledged cooperation in regional security, addressing disputes involving Ethiopia, Somalia, and Egypt over issues like the Blue Nile dam and Somaliland.

In a significant development, Egypt has offered to deploy peacekeeping troops to Somalia, intending to bolster security as the mandate of the longstanding African Union peacekeeping force comes to a close. The Egyptian proposal was discussed during a regional summit held in the Eritrean capital, Asmara.

Prominent figures such as Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi and leaders from Somalia and Eritrea highlighted their commitment to regional security, welcoming Egypt's initiative. The summit's concluding statement emphasized the multilateral approach of the African Union Mission to Support Stabilisation in Somalia (AUSSOM), under which Egyptian forces might operate.

This agreement emerges amidst regional tensions involving Ethiopia, notably regarding the Blue Nile dam and Ethiopia's maritime aspirations through Somaliland. These complex dynamics underscore the broader geopolitical shifts impacting African security and diplomacy.

(With inputs from agencies.)