Egypt Sends Military Aid Shipment to Somalia

CAIRO – 23 September 2024: In support of Somalia's efforts to enhance security, combat terrorism, and uphold its sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity, Egypt has delivered a shipment of military aid to the Somali army in Mogadishu, said Egypt's Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a statement on Monday evening.

The aid aligns with Egypt's commitments under the recently signed military cooperation protocol and underscores Egypt's ongoing role in helping Somalia build its national capabilities to fulfill the aspirations of its people for security, stability, and development.

One day earlier, Egypt has issued a call to its citizens residing in Somaliland, a self-declared region of Somalia in northeast Africa, to evacuate promptly via the Hargeisa Airport due to security challenges.

“The current security situation in Somaliland limits the ability to provide any consular assistance to Egyptians there,” said a statement circulated by Egypt’s Al Qahera News.

Egypt has also advised individuals intending to travel to any of Somalia's states to strictly adhere to the regulations and procedures established by the competent Somali authorities.

This directive comes amidst ongoing tensions between Somalia and Ethiopia since January, following Addis Ababa's agreement with Somaliland, granting Ethiopia leasing rights to a significant portion of the Red Sea coastline in Somaliland.

Egypt has consistently expressed its support for Somalia's sovereignty, as Somalia views the agreement as an encroachment on its territorial integrity.

In mid-August, Egypt signed a military pact with Somalia for military cooperation. The deal signed during the Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s one-day visit to Cairo.