Ethiopia Warns of Regional Instability Amid Somalia-Egypt Deal

Ethiopia has expressed deep concerns regarding a recent defense agreement between Egypt and Somalia, fearing it could destabilize the already volatile Horn of Africa. Following the signing of the deal, which may include the deployment of Egyptian troops to Somalia, Ethiopia accused Somalia of colluding with foreign actors and warned of potential instability as the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) is set to end. Ethiopia has insisted on the necessity for consultations with the UN and AU before the new peacekeeping mission, AUSSOM, takes over, as Somalia has rejected the inclusion of Ethiopian troops unless Ethiopia withdraws from a controversial agreement with Somaliland. The tensions are compounded by ongoing disputes over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, which Egypt views as a threat to its water security. As military aid from Egypt arrives in Somalia, Ethiopian officials caution that the region is entering 'uncharted waters' and have vowed to monitor developments closely. The situation continues to evolve amidst a backdrop of fragile diplomatic relations and historical grievances.