Egypt’s intervention in Somalia is posing unprecedented threat to regional stability in the Horn of Africa, Ethiopian Public Diplomacy Institute (EPDI) in Sweden President Yassin Ahmed warned.
The president told ENA that Egypt was unable to contribute to peace keeping peace in its neighboring countries like Sudan and Libya; and could not even protect its borders from threats.
Egypt’s inexperience, rather history of failed peacekeeping missions, render its efforts in Somalia futile, he recalled.
Yasin cited the absence of Egypt from the African continent for more than three or four decades and its utter failure to keep peace in its neighboring countries.
The main reason behind Egypt’s intervention in Somalia is its claim with regard to Ethiopia’s Grand Renaissance Dam (GERD) and a vain attempt to create pressure on Ethiopia, he added.
With regard to peace keeping, Ethiopia has on the other hand demonstrated its long-standing commitment and experience in regional and global peacekeeping, according to Yasin.
He said Ethiopia’s role is widely recognized and respected by the international community, including the United Nations and the African Union.
“Ethiopia, as a pivotal country and as an emerging country and a rising regional power, enjoys international and regional respect for its role in maintaining peace and regional and international security.”
Instead of pursuing divisive policies, the president called on Egypt to cooperate with Ethiopia in promoting regional security.
“It would be more appropriate for Egypt to cooperate with Ethiopia in preserving regional security,” he noted.
Moreover, Yassin expressed concern about Egypt’s supply of weapons to Somalia, arguing that it could exacerbate existing security challenges and undermine ongoing efforts to stabilize Somalia.
“Sending weapons to Somalia, which is witnessing internal security challenges, can contribute to undermining security within Somalia; because if these weapons are acquired by some terrorist groups they could pose serious challenge to the region.”
Yasin recalled that Ethiopia has been working in partnership with consecutive Somali governments and the international community to maintain peace and security in Somalia.
Furthermore, he underscored the importance of regional security cooperation among the countries of the Horn of Africa in order to deter external involvement and maintain stability in the region.
“It is necessary to think and create regional security cooperation for the countries of the Horn of Africa and/or East Africa. These countries have common security challenges. So, regional security cooperation is the solution to any external interventions.”
He noted that the countries in the region can better resist external interference and promote stability by strengthening economic ties and addressing common security challenges.
For the president, Ethiopia is also crucial for maintaining the security of the Red Sea as it is the largest country in the region and possesses the necessary capabilities to contribute to its protection.
“Peace, security and stability come through strengthening common economic interests. The economy is what creates peace, and creates economic cooperation. All of these countries, especially those on the Red Sea, cannot dispense with Ethiopia’s role in preserving and protecting regional security, even protecting the Red Sea.”
He observed that Ethiopia’s potential sea access through the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Somaliland could significantly enhance regional security in the region and the Red Sea.
“The MoU between Ethiopia and Somaliland comes within the framework of creating a new reality. Research indicates that if Ethiopia obtains a sea outlet through the MoU, after it is developed into an agreement between the parties, then Ethiopia will have the natural role of protecting the security of the Red Sea.”
As a coastal state, Ethiopia would be able to play a pivotal role in protecting the region’s security and promoting economic interests, Yasin underlined, adding that this aligns with the international law which grants landlocked countries access to the sea,
To ensure lasting peace and security, the president noted that military and security cooperation should be fostered through strengthened economic ties.