Egypt’s recent military alliance with Somalia comes amid the increasingly delicate dynamics in the Horn of Africa, particularly in Ethiopia. Although the partnership aims to tighten Cairo and Mogadishu’s longstanding relations, particularly within the framework of a new African Union force, it coincides with rising tensions between both nations and Ethiopia.

On Aug. 27, two Egyptian C-130s carrying weapons and ammunition landed in Mogadishu, the first delivery of military aid under a new pact signed on Aug. 13. The agreement entails 5,000 Egyptian soldiers joining the upcoming AU mission to be established by the year’s end, with another 5,000 troops reportedly set to deploy independent of the mission.

While the move marks an uptick in Cairo-Mogadishu cooperation, it does not indicate a drastic shift in their ties. Egypt has long been a key security partner for Somalia within the Arab League, particularly in countering the extremist group Al-Shabaab and maritime threats in the Red Sea.

Yet so far in 2024, the two nations are increasingly united in their opposition of Ethiopia’s assertive foreign policy maneuvers, particularly over access to the water of the Red Sea and Nile River.