Egypt and Somalia are planning to hold joint military exercises in the Horn of Africa, a move that could heighten tensions with Ethiopia, according to security officials. The exercises, expected to take place this month, will involve ground, air, and naval forces. Although specific details regarding the start date, duration, and number of troops remain undisclosed, the drills are intended to send a strong message of Egypt and Somalia’s commitment to cooperation and defense. This development follows Egypt’s recent complaint to the UN Security Council over Ethiopia’s unilateral actions related to the Grand Renaissance Ethiopia Dam (GERD).

The conflict between Egypt and Ethiopia over the Nile dam has persisted for over a decade, with Egypt arguing that the dam threatens its vital share of the Nile waters. In a letter to the UN, Egypt emphasized its concerns about Ethiopia’s approach to negotiations, accusing Addis Ababa of using talks as a cover to establish a de facto situation on the ground. The announcement of the military drills comes shortly after Egypt began deploying troops and military equipment to Somalia under a recently signed military cooperation agreement. Ethiopia has expressed strong opposition, viewing the deployment as a destabilizing factor in the region.

Egypt and Somalia’s growing military partnership coincides with Ethiopia’s controversial agreement with Somaliland, which Somalia views as a threat to its sovereignty. In response, Somalia has threatened to expel Ethiopian troops involved in peacekeeping missions within its borders unless the deal is revoked. Egypt’s potential involvement in a new peacekeeping force in Somalia could further complicate relations, especially with the prospect of Egyptian troops being stationed near Ethiopian peacekeepers. The situation risks escalating into direct conflict between the two nations.

The potential for hostilities between Egypt and Ethiopia adds to the instability already affecting the Horn of Africa and East Africa, including the ongoing civil war in Sudan and attacks on Red Sea shipping routes by Iranian-backed Houthis in Yemen.