MOGADISHU, Somalia – Egypt defended sending troops to Somalia, calling it legal and backed by both Somalia and the African Union.
Mustafa Bakhri, an Egyptian lawmaker, said the deployment followed Somalia’s request and the African Union’s approval, making it fully legitimate.
He dismissed Ethiopia’s opposition, calling it an attempt to destabilize the region. He said Egypt’s mission was to aid Somalia.
Somalia confirmed Egyptian forces would join the African Union mission, focusing on operations against al-Shabaab.
Egyptian troops, trained in Cairo, will be stationed in Hiiraan, Lower Shabelle, and Gedo, where they will assist Somali forces.
Bakhri said Egypt’s involvement is not related to the Nile dispute with Ethiopia, which opposes the troop deployment.
Ethiopia’s Ambassador to Somalia, Suleyman Didefo, criticized the move, saying Ethiopia could defend itself and had no security concerns.
Didefo questioned Egypt’s peacekeeping history, saying Ethiopia had no fear of Egyptian troops and could handle its own security.
The Egyptian mission was approved by the African Union after talks with Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.
Both Somali President Mohamud and Egyptian President el-Sisi met in Cairo for talks on military support and training.
Egypt aligned with Somalia after Ethiopia signed a controversial MoU with breakaway Somaliland, granting Red Sea access in exchange for potential recognition.
The deal angered Somalia, triggering tensions with Ethiopia as Somalia condemned the MoU as a violation of its sovereignty.
Somalia also threatened to expel Ethiopian troops and invited Egypt to replace them.
However, Turkey mediated between President Mohamud and Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed as they eased tensions in December.
Ethiopia’s opposition stems from the ongoing dispute over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, which Egypt fears will limit its water supply.
Somalia has balanced relations, accepting Egypt’s support but resisting being drawn into the Nile River dispute with Ethiopia.