The dispute between Ethiopia and Egypt, which backs Somalia in its conflict with Ethiopia, is intensifying. The situation could escalate into a direct armed conflict. In January, Ethiopia reached an agreement with the self-proclaimed Republic of Somaliland regarding access to the port of Berbera on the Red Sea.

Cairo also issued a travel warning amidst security concerns which coincide with warming military ties with Mogadishu

Analysis: Egypt's growing military alliance with Mogadishu is causing alarm in Ethiopia, with fears Somalia could become the theatre for a proxy conflict.

There has been escalating tension between Ethiopia and Somalia ever since Ethiopia signed a Memorandum of Understanding earlier this year with the breakaway Republic of Somaliland - which Somalia claims - for access to its ports.

An Egyptian warship has delivered significant weaponry to Somalia, escalating tensions with Ethiopia. This move follows Egypt and Somalia's growing alliance against Ethiopia's actions in the region, including a contested port deal with Somaliland.

Growing tensions between Ethiopia and Somalia, heightened by arms shipments, risk destabilising the fragile Horn of Africa and creating opportunities for the Islamist insurgents of Al-Shabaab, experts say.

Analysis - In early 2024, a major geopolitical event unfolded in the Horn of Africa with far-reaching consequences. Ethiopia and Somaliland signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 01 January 2024 granting Ethiopia sea access through Somaliland's ports in exchange for potential international recognition for Somaliland,

The dispute between Ethiopia and Egypt, which supports Somalia in its conflict with Ethiopia, is intensifying. The situation could escalate into a direct armed conflict. In January of this year, Ethiopia reached an agreement with the self-proclaimed Republic of Somaliland regarding access to the port of Berbera on the Red Sea.