Somaliland authorities expressed strong criticism of Egypt’s military presence in Somalia, stating concerns over regional stability and the potential for increased tensions.
Through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Somaliland spoke on this issue via a press release dates August 29.
Its opposition followed the arrival of Egyptian military aircraft to Mogadishu a day earlier.
The aircraft carried several military officers from Egypt.
This criticism comes amidst rising geopolitical interests in the Horn of Africa, where Egypt is believed to be seeking a stronger foothold, partly due to its strategic interests related to the Nile River and concerns over Ethiopia’s Grand Renaissance Dam (GERD) project.
Somaliland, which seeks international recognition as a separate entity from Somalia, views Egypt’s involvement as a potential threat to its security and stability in the region.
The Somaliland government has called on regional and international stakeholders to consider the broader implications of Egypt’s actions in Somalia, warning that the militarization of the region could lead to further conflict and destabilization.
Somalia’s federal government, which maintains sovereignty over all its territories, including Somaliland, has not publicly commented on Somaliland’s criticism.
Egypt has also yet to officially respond to these concerns.