Egypt expands military footprint in Somalia amid Israeli moves in the Horn of Africa

An Israeli media report has warned that Egypt is expanding its military and security presence in Somalia and the Horn of Africa in response to what it views as growing Israeli influence in the region.

According to a report broadcast by the Hebrew-language channel i24News, Cairo has stepped up its involvement in Somalia following Israel’s recognition of the breakaway region of Somaliland, a move that Egyptian security circles reportedly see as a direct threat to regional stability and to Egypt’s strategic interests.

Israeli security sources cited in the report said Egypt is focusing its efforts on supporting the government of Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, with the aim of preserving Somalia’s territorial unity and preventing potential security repercussions stemming from Israeli activity in the Horn of Africa.

The report said Egyptian officials believe Israel’s recognition of Somaliland is part of a broader attempt to establish a strategic foothold near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and the Red Sea, an area of critical importance to Egypt’s maritime security. It added that Cairo is also concerned that Israel could deepen its cooperation with Ethiopia, at a time when relations between Egypt and Addis Ababa remain strained over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam and Nile water issues.

In comments to the channel, Israeli analyst Eddy Cohen described Israel as a “superpower” seeking to expand its influence beyond the Middle East and into Africa in order to reposition itself closer to its regional adversaries.

The report noted that Egypt began deploying troops and military advisers to Somalia as early as 2014, following the signing of a joint defence agreement between the two countries. Since then, Cairo has provided security and logistical support to Mogadishu, particularly in its fight against the armed group Al-Shabaab.

Israeli security estimates cited by i24News put the number of Egyptian troops currently operating in Somalia at several thousand, working within bilateral arrangements and as part of African Union peacekeeping missions.