SOMALILAND’S ROLL IN A POTENTIAL MILITARY CONFLICT BETWEEN
ETHIOPIA AND EGYPT
WATER WARS ?
Via
Stratrisks
Tension
is increasing as ETHIOPIA and EGYPT continue to butt heads over the Nile River.
ETHIOPIA remains firm on building the $4.2 billion Grand ETHIOPIAN Renaissance
Dam. EGYPT is determined to stop ETHIOPIA from building the dam, claiming that EGYPT
is the “gift of the Nile” and water supply will decrease by 20% and
hydroelectric power would decrease by 40%.
The
battle over the Nile has already drawn neighboring countries into the dispute. SUDAN
and SOUTH SUDAN have expressed their support for ETHIOPIA’S dam, while SOMALIA
might show their allegiance to EGYPT.
Earlier
this month, EGYPTIAN army officials arrived in SOMALIA to discuss revamping the
SOMALIA National Army and building a possible EGYPTIAN military base. It
appears that if EGYPT & ETHIOPIA do go to war, EGYPT is relying on SOMALIA’S
strategic location to attack ETHIOPIA. In order to do so, they will need to go
through SOMALILAND first – with the help of SOMALIA.
SOMALILAND AND EGYPT’S STRAINED RELATIONSHIP
What
is SOMALILAND’S stance on this issue and what role would they play? The people
of SOMALILAND will never forget the role EGYPT played during the struggle years
against Siad Barre’s regime. EGYPT armed and supplied military hardware that
was used to slaughter the people of SOMALILAND. After reclaiming our
independence in 1991, EGYPT has been using their influence in the ARAB and AFRICAN
world to hinder any chance of us getting recognition.
SOMALILAND’S
strongest ally in AFRICA is ETHIOPIA. Since reclaiming the independence granted
in 1960, ETHIOPIA and SOMALILAND have shared an unbreakable bond. Both
countries have operated on issues such as trade and security. A close relationship
– but not close enough considering the fact they have yet to recognize SOMALILAND
as a sovereign nation.
Regardless,
SOMALILAND remains loyal to ETHIOPIA. The SOMALILAND government has made their
stance on this issue clear and expressed their commitment to defend ETHIOPIA.
That being said, they need ETHIOPIA to meet them half-way and take the lead of
granting recognition. ETHIOPIA claims the right to use the Nile waters to
develop their nation and provide for their citizens just like other countries
situated on the Nile. It’s in EGYPT’S best interest to diplomatically resolve
this issue with ETHIOPIA and reach a common solution that will benefit both
countries. If EGYPT insists on warmongering, ETHIOPIA can definitely count on
the people of SOMALILAND for help.
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