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

An Egyptian warship delivered a major arms cache to Somalia, escalating tensions with Ethiopia. The move follows a joint security pact between Egypt and Somalia. Earlier, Ethiopia had upset Somalia by signing a 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.

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.