Egypt expands security role in Somalia amid Israeli expansion

CAIRO, Egypt (MNTV) — Egypt is expanding its military and security presence in Somalia and the wider Horn of Africa, driven by concerns over what it perceives as growing Israeli influence in the region, according to an Israeli media report.

The report, broadcast by Hebrew-language channel i24News, said Egypt has stepped up its involvement in Somalia following Israel’s reported recognition of the breakaway Somaliland region. 

Egyptian security circles reportedly view the move as a threat to regional stability and to Cairo’s strategic interests.

Israeli security sources cited by the channel said Egypt is prioritising support for the government of Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud in an effort to preserve Somalia’s territorial integrity and limit potential security fallout linked to Israeli activity in the Horn of Africa.

The report said Egyptian officials believe Israel’s move is part of a broader strategy to establish a foothold near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and the Red Sea, waterways considered vital to Egypt’s maritime security.

It added that Cairo is also concerned about the possibility of deeper Israeli-Ethiopian cooperation, particularly amid ongoing tensions between Egypt and Ethiopia over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam and Nile water-sharing disputes.

Israeli analyst Eddy Cohen told the channel that Israel is seeking to expand its influence beyond the Middle East into Africa to reposition itself closer to regional rivals.

According to the report, Egypt began deploying troops and military advisers to Somalia in 2014 after the two countries signed a joint defence agreement, and has since provided security and logistical support to Mogadishu, including assistance in operations against Al-Shabaab.

Israeli security assessments cited by i24News estimate that several thousand Egyptian troops are currently operating in Somalia through bilateral arrangements and African Union peacekeeping missions.