Only a politics based on building unity and mutually beneficial cooperation can deliver on the potential of the Horn of Africa and its peoples. #africa #Egypt #Ethiopia

Somalia has accused Ethiopia of illegitimate smuggling of weapons, raising fears of arms falling into the hands of Islamist militants. The accusations come amidst a broader political discord involving Ethiopia's plans to build a port in Somaliland and Somalia's increasing closeness to Egypt.

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.