Ethiopia currently has troops stationed in Somalia under both the African Union mission and a bilateral counterterrorism arrangement, primarily aimed at fighting extremist groups like Al-Shabaab.
However, Addis Ababa signaled a possible shift in Ethiopia’s military strategy, noting that defense officials are reevaluating their posture amid “emerging regional threats.”
“Our presence in Somalia has always supported peace and counterterrorism.
But the environment is shifting, and we must reassess our national interest.”
Field Marshal Berhanu Jula, Chief of the Ethiopian National Defense Forces (ENDF)
Egypt’s Growing Military Presence in Somalia Threatens Ethiopia Security
Horn of Africa tensions deepen as Ethiopia’s top military commander warned of escalating threats to national security.
Due to Egypt’s growing military presence in neighboring Somalia.
Speaking before Ethiopia’s parliament in Addis Ababa, Field Marshal Berhanu Jula, Chief of the Ethiopian National Defense Forces (ENDF), described the deployment of foreign troops in Somalia as a “real and strategic threat” to Ethiopia’s stability and sovereignty.
“There are foreign forces inside Somalia whose intent is concerning.
The threat is real,” Berhanu emphasized.
10,000 Egyptian Troops in Somalia
Though Berhanu did not explicitly name Egypt, his statement follows confirmed reports of a military cooperation agreement between Cairo and Mogadishu, signed in August 2024.
The deal reportedly permits Egypt to deploy up to 10,000 troops to Somalia.
Half under the African Union’s stabilization mission (AUSSOM), and the rest through a bilateral agreement.
The arrangement includes weapons transfers and expanded logistical support, raising alarm in Addis Ababa.
Strategic Maritime Tensions in the Horn of Africa
Berhanu also cautioned against foreign-backed efforts to deny Ethiopia access to the sea, amid growing maritime tensions across the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.
“There are forces that do not want Ethiopia to approach the sea gate,” he said, signaling concern over both Egyptian and Somali strategic interests.
The issue of maritime access has remained a flashpoint in Ethiopia’s foreign policy.
Especially since Addis Ababa signed a controversial Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Somaliland in January 2024, granting it access to Red Sea ports.
Mogadishu condemned the deal as illegal and a violation of Somalia’s sovereignty.
Egypt-Somalia Pact Sparks Diplomatic Fallout
Somali authorities have defended Egypt-Somalia pact.
Stating it aims to rebuild the Somali National Army and strengthen regional security.
They also argue Egypt’s involvement in AUSSOM was approved by the African Union and poses no threat to neighboring countries.
Still, the timing of the military agreement has reignited diplomatic friction between Ethiopia and Somalia, already strained by the Somaliland MoU.
Ethiopia Agreement with Somaliland
While both Ethiopia and Somalia agreed to renew maritime talks under Turkish mediation in late 2024, Ethiopia continues to back its agreement with Somaliland.
Reports indicate that Somaliland President Abdirahman Irro is expected to visit Addis Ababa soon to meet Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed regarding the MoU’s future.
Ethiopian officials insist the MoU is under review but emphasize that maritime access remains a top national priority.
