CAIRO (SD)-Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi has stated that Egypt’s support for Somalia is not connected to its ongoing dispute with Ethiopia but is aimed at helping Somalia regain stability.

On August 14th, Egypt and Somalia signed a military cooperation protocol. Through this protocol, Cairo has provided military aid to Somalia to support and strengthen the capabilities of the Somali armed forces.

“This step is part of Egypt’s support for Somalia to achieve security and stability, combat terrorism, and safeguard its sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity,” said a statement released last week by Egypt’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Tensions in the Horn of Africa have escalated since January when Somaliland agreed to lease 20 kilometers of its coastline to Ethiopia for 50 years.

Egypt has repeatedly reaffirmed its strong stance in support of Somalia’s unity and independence.

Egypt and Ethiopia have been embroiled in a long-standing dispute over the filling of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) on the Nile River, with Addis Ababa refusing to sign a legally binding agreement that would protect Egypt’s water rights and needs.