Egypt wants to improve relations with the Somali federal government, establish a military base in the country and counter Turkey’s influence in Somalia, Al-Monitor reports.
An Egyptian government delegation, led by Egyptian Assistant Foreign Minister for African Affairs Sherif Issa, arrived in Mogadishu on December 6th, and met with Somali Foreign Minister Mohamed Abdirizak.
Mukhtar Ghobashy, deputy head of the Arab Center for Political Studies, told Al-Monitor that Egypt is deeply concerned about Turkey’s influence and integration into Somalia.
“Unfortunately, in recent years, countries including Turkey have been able to integrate into Somalia, providing assistance, enabling them to establish a military base in Mogadishu, in 2017. “Therefore, Egypt must improve its relations with Somalia, in order to gain weight,” said Mukhtar Ghobashy.
Ghobashy said the Egyptian delegation may have discussed with the federal government during its trip to Mogadishu the establishment of a military base in Mogadishu.
