In 1992, Somalia was in crisis. A brutal civil war and famine devastated the country, leaving millions in need of urgent help. The United States sent troops to Somalia as part of Operation Restore Hope. Their goal was to bring stability and deliver humanitarian aid. However, after a tragic incident in 1993, where American soldiers were killed in Mogadishu, the US army left Somalia. The departure created a power vacuum, and Somalia was left to fend for itself.
Amid this turmoil, Egypt stepped in as a vital partner for Somalia. Its efforts to support Somalia during its darkest days were notable and deserve attention. Egypt, a fellow African nation, recognized the importance of helping Somalia rebuild its society and maintain stability.
Egypt’s role in fostering peace and reconciliation in Somalia was further cemented during the 1997 Cairo Declaration on Somalia. Recognizing the need for Somali leaders to come together and resolve their differences, Egypt hosted a critical peace conference from November 12 to December 22, 1997. This summit brought together Somalia’s key political leaders, who, after weeks of dialogue, affirmed their commitment to achieving peace and reconciliation in their war-torn country. The declaration outlined principles and actions to restore national unity, rebuild state institutions, and establish an inclusive governance structure. Egypt’s leadership in facilitating this agreement demonstrated its dedication to Somali-led solutions and its belief in dialogue as the cornerstone of lasting peace. While challenges remained, the Cairo Declaration remains a pivotal moment in Somali history, showcasing Egypt’s efforts to mediate and support Somalia’s quest for stability.
Egypt has consistently stood by Somalia in defending its sovereignty and territorial integrity. January 2024, when Ethiopia violated Somalia’s territorial integrity and engaged in actions that undermined its sovereignty, Egypt was one of the first nations to condemn such actions. Cairo promised to support Somalia diplomatically and emphasized its readiness to defend Somali interests in regional and international forums. This firm stance showcased Egypt’s commitment to Somalia’s stability and unity in the face of external aggression. Furthermore, as Somalia prepares for a new chapter with the African Union-Somalia Transition Mission (AUSSOM) replacing the outgoing ATMIS, Egypt’s participation will be crucial. By joining this mission for the second time since 1994, Egypt will bring its wealth of experience in peacekeeping and its deep understanding of Somalia’s challenges, playing a critical role in ensuring the success of this new initiative for stability and security in Somalia.
Historical Connection Between Egypt and Somalia
Egypt and Somalia share a long history of cultural and political ties. Both nations are members of the Arab League, and their connection extends back centuries through trade, religion, and education. Egypt’s leaders understood that Somalia’s collapse would not only harm Somalis but also threaten regional stability in the Horn of Africa.
Cairo saw an opportunity to strengthen ties with Mogadishu and provide aid during a critical time. The Egyptian government focused on humanitarian, educational, and diplomatic support, which Somalia desperately needed.
After the US army left, Somalia was in chaos. Famine spread, and basic services collapsed. Egypt provided crucial humanitarian assistance during this period. Egyptian organizations delivered food, medicine, and other essential supplies to displaced Somali families.
Egypt also sent doctors and medical teams to help combat diseases in Somali refugee camps. These efforts were vital because Somalia’s healthcare system had collapsed during the civil war. Egyptian doctors provided treatment in hospitals and makeshift clinics, saving countless lives.
Additionally, Egypt offered logistical support to international organizations like the United Nations. It helped distribute aid to rural areas in Somalia that were hard to reach due to insecurity.
Education has always been a cornerstone of Egypt’s foreign policy in Africa. After 1994, Egypt invested heavily in Somali education. It offered scholarships for Somali students to study at Egyptian universities. This initiative helped train a new generation of Somali professionals, including doctors, engineers, and teachers.
The Al-Azhar University in Cairo played a significant role. As one of the oldest and most prestigious Islamic institutions, it welcomed Somali students to study religion, law, and Arabic language. Many of these students returned to Somalia to contribute to rebuilding their communities.
Egypt also sent teachers and opened schools in Somalia. These schools taught Arabic and Islamic studies, strengthening the cultural ties between the two nations. Education gave Somali youth hope and helped keep them away from joining militias during a time of lawlessness.
While Somalia struggled with clan-based fighting and political instability, Egypt worked to promote peace. It used its influence in the Arab League and the African Union to advocate for Somali unity.
Egypt hosted Somali leaders for peace talks, encouraging dialogue among warring factions. These efforts were not always successful, but Egypt remained consistent in supporting Somali-led solutions to the conflict.
In 1993, Egypt supported the United Nations Operation in Somalia (UNOSOM). Although this mission faced many challenges, Egypt’s involvement showed its commitment to international efforts to stabilize Somalia.
Egypt’s support for Somalia was also driven by regional security concerns. The collapse of Somalia posed a direct threat to the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. This region is vital for global shipping, and instability could allow piracy and terrorism to flourish.
Egypt, with its control of the Suez Canal, understood the importance of protecting maritime routes. Supporting Somalia’s recovery was a strategic move to ensure safe passage for ships in the region.
Despite its efforts, Egypt faced significant challenges in helping Somalia. The ongoing conflict made it difficult to deliver aid or implement long-term projects. Egyptian aid workers and diplomats often operated in dangerous conditions.
Additionally, Egypt’s resources were limited. As a developing nation, Egypt had to balance its domestic needs with its foreign policy goals. However, its commitment to Somalia remained unwavering.
Today, Somalia is still recovering from decades of war, but Egypt’s contributions have left a lasting impact. Somali professionals who studied in Egypt are now leaders in their fields. Egyptian schools in Somalia continue to educate Somali youth, and the two nations maintain strong diplomatic ties.
Egypt’s efforts in the 1990s also set an example for other African nations. It showed that regional solidarity can play a key role in addressing crises. By helping Somalia, Egypt strengthened its position as a leader in the Arab and African worlds.
When the US army left Somalia in 1994, the country was left in turmoil. Egypt stepped in as a dependable partner, providing humanitarian aid, educational opportunities, and diplomatic support. Its efforts were not without challenges, but they made a difference in Somalia’s recovery.
Egypt’s support for Somalia highlights the importance of African nations helping each other during times of crisis. It also underscores the enduring bond between these two nations. As Somalia continues its journey toward peace and stability, it can look back and remember Egypt’s role in its survival and growth.
This story reminds us of the power of solidarity and the lasting impact of lending a helping hand to a brotherly nation in need.
