In a quiet but urgent tone, Yassin Ahmed, President of the Ethiopian Public Diplomacy Institute in Sweden, issued a stern warning about Egypt’s growing intervention in Somalia, calling it a destabilizing force in the fragile balance of the Horn of Africa. Speaking to the Ethiopian News Agency (ENA), Ahmed painted a stark picture of the regional stakes, expressing concern that Egypt’s actions were not just misguided but dangerous, driven more by geopolitical rivalries than genuine peacekeeping ambitions.
“Egypt’s history in peacekeeping is one of failure,” Ahmed began, his words echoing through a room already steeped in tension. “They have been unable to stabilize their own borders, much less contribute to peace in neighboring countries like Sudan or Libya.” His voice softened with a sense of bewilderment at Egypt’s recent foray into Somalia, a country long scarred by internal strife and now teetering on the brink of further instability.
Ahmed’s accusation was clear: Egypt’s involvement in Somalia is not about peace. It is, instead, a veiled attempt to pressure Ethiopia over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), a project that has stirred tensions along the Nile for years. “This is not about Somalia,” Ahmed insisted. “It’s about GERD. Egypt is trying to create leverage over Ethiopia by inserting itself into a conflict it does not understand and cannot solve.”
In sharp contrast, Ahmed praised Ethiopia’s enduring role in regional peacekeeping. “Ethiopia’s commitment to peace is well-known,” he said. “We have been at the forefront of peacekeeping missions, recognized by the United Nations and the African Union for our unwavering efforts.” Ethiopia’s legacy, Ahmed pointed out, is one of both regional responsibility and international respect, a reputation built over decades of conflict mediation and military engagement in places like Somalia.
“Instead of fostering divisions,” Ahmed continued, his tone sharpening, “Egypt would do better to cooperate with Ethiopia for the sake of regional security.” He noted the troubling reports of Egypt supplying weapons to Somalia, a move that he argued could deepen the country’s internal strife and spill over into the broader region. “These weapons could easily fall into the hands of terrorist groups, worsening the very security challenges we are all trying to contain.”
For Ahmed, the answer to the Horn of Africa’s security dilemmas does not lie in external interference but in regional cooperation. He spoke passionately about the need for countries in the region to come together, forming a unified front against external manipulation. “We need regional security cooperation—countries like Ethiopia, Somalia, and others in the Horn of Africa must address our common challenges together. That is the only way to maintain stability.”
He also highlighted Ethiopia’s strategic importance to the security of the Red Sea, pointing to Ethiopia’s sheer size and influence in the region. “As the largest country in the region, Ethiopia’s role in protecting the Red Sea cannot be overlooked. Strengthening economic ties between Red Sea nations will naturally lead to greater security,” he said, emphasizing that economic cooperation is often the bedrock of lasting peace.
Ahmed expressed optimism about Ethiopia’s potential access to the sea through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Somaliland, which he believes could redefine the region’s security dynamics. “If Ethiopia secures sea access, it will have a natural role in safeguarding the security of the Red Sea,” he explained. “This aligns with international law, which grants landlocked nations access to the sea, further strengthening Ethiopia’s strategic importance.”
As Ahmed wrapped up his analysis, he returned to the theme of cooperation, stressing that military strength alone would not bring peace to the region. “Peace, security, and stability come through strengthening our economic interests,” he said, his voice steady and resolute. “Ethiopia’s role is indispensable, and Egypt must recognize that if it truly seeks to contribute to regional peace.”
In his final remarks, Ahmed called on Egypt to reconsider its approach, warning that the Horn of Africa is too fragile to endure another conflict stoked by external ambitions. The path forward, he emphasized, must be one of collaboration, not confrontation, if the region is to secure the peace and stability it so desperately needs.
