Egypt backs Somalia amid Ethiopia-Somaliland controversial deal
In reaffirmation of its commitment to Somalia’s security and stability, Egypt has reasserted its firm position to stand by Somalia and expressed its full rejection of any measures that would undermine Somalia’s sovereignty.
Egypt’s President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi made the assertion during a press conference held on Sunday with the President of the Federal Republic of Somalia, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud in Cairo, who was on a visit to the north African country.
Sisi said that Egypt will not allow any threat to Somalia or its security, expressing Cairo’s full rejection of interfering in Somalia’s affairs or undermining its territorial integrity.
While describing the recent deal as an “attempt to control another territory,”, President Sisi, said Ethiopia may have the opportunity to benefit from the ports on the Red Sea in Somalia, Djibouti, or Eritrea through “traditional means” without compromising territorial sovereignty.
El-Sisi emphasized Somalia’s Arab identity, highlighting its rights within the framework of common defense.
In response, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud expressed gratitude for Egypt’s support and condemned Ethiopia for its attempt to undermine the sovereignty of Somalia.
In another development on Sunday, Ethiopia rejected criticism from Egypt over the deal, saying it was merely a commercial agreement aimed at securing access to the sea and not an attempt to annex the land.
