China is deploying a bridgehead in the Horn of Africa: US allies work to prevent conflict between Ethiopia and Somalia

On January 1, 2024, Ethiopia and the self-proclaimed Republic of Somaliland signed a memorandum of understanding that provides for Addis Ababa’s recognition of this self-proclaimed entity in exchange for Ethiopia’s access to a 20-kilometer stretch of coastline along the Gulf of Aden.

Seeing this agreement as a direct threat to its security, Egypt quickly reacted by signing a military pact with Somalia, a recognized state that de jure claims sovereignty over the territories where Somaliland was proclaimed.

On August 30-31, Egypt delivered the first batch of military aid under this agreement. In addition, Egypt announced plans to deploy a peacekeeping contingent to Somalia in 2025, coinciding with the start of a new African Union mission.