Ethiopia Controls Major Airports in Somalia to Prevent Egyptian Forces’ Air Transport

Somali Guardian reported that Ethiopian forces have seized major airports in the Gedo region of Somalia, including the airports of Luq, Doolow, and Bardere, in an attempt to prevent the potential air transport of Egyptian forces to the region. These forces are set to replace the Ethiopian forces that currently operate dozens of bases in Somalia’s southwestern states and Jubaland and Hirshabelle.

This seizure comes amid escalating tensions between the governments of Mogadishu and Addis Ababa. Recently, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed issued a stern warning against any attempts to invade Ethiopia, reflecting the seriousness of the situation.

Somali Guardian noted that Ethiopia’s control of these airports is significant as they are the only access points to cities in the Gedo region, where Al-Shabaab has closed roads. It further explained that Ethiopia’s intervention is seen as a strategic move to disrupt Egypt’s planned deployment.

The recent defense agreement between Somalia and Egypt includes the deployment of 5,000 Egyptian soldiers under an African Union-led peacekeeping mission, with an additional 5,000 soldiers under a separate bilateral agreement. Ethiopia has rallied regional allies to oppose this deployment, further escalating tensions.

This conflict reflects a broader geopolitical struggle in Somalia, exacerbated by the recent agreement between Ethiopia and the self-declared state of Somaliland. The agreement, which involves leasing land along the Red Sea for a naval base, has angered the Somali government, which sees it as a violation of its sovereignty.

Somali officials warned that Ethiopian forces must withdraw from Somalia by next year. However, it remains uncertain whether the Somali government can enforce this withdrawal, given Ethiopia’s entrenched presence in regions like Gedo, Hiran, Bay, and Bakool.

The ongoing dispute between Ethiopia and Egypt over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), which Ethiopia is building on the main tributary of the Nile River, further complicates the situation. The dam has been a contentious issue, adding another layer of complexity to regional dynamics.

Ethiopia’s actions in Somalia may indicate the beginning of a conflict between Cairo and Addis Ababa over Somalia. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi has previously warned Ethiopia against compromising Somalia’s security. He stated, “Somalia is an Arab state in the Arab League and has rights under the Arab League’s joint defense pact against any threats to its security. We will not allow anyone to threaten Somalia. No one should test Egypt.”