In a bold statement, Egypt's President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi declared on Sunday that Egypt will not permit any threats against Somalia, following Ethiopia's consideration to recognize Somaliland's independence claim. The move, which would grant Ethiopia access to a sea port, has sparked renewed tensions in the volatile Horn of Africa region.

Although Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991, it has yet to receive recognition from any country. The potential port lease agreement, which was agreed upon earlier this month but not yet finalized, has drawn the ire of Somalia. Egypt's involvement in the dispute, coming on top of already frosty relations with Ethiopia, suggests an escalation of tensions in the region.

Sisi made the strongest remarks to date on the issue, emphasizing that Egypt would not allow anyone to threaten Somalia's security. He conveyed this message during a joint news conference with Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, warning against testing Egypt or undermining its allies when they seek its assistance.

Under the January 1 memorandum of understanding, Ethiopia expressed its willingness to recognize Somaliland's independence in exchange for access to the port of Berbera on the Gulf of Aden. The deal involves leasing 20 km (12 miles) of coastline for military and commercial purposes for a duration of 50 years, proving beneficial to Ethiopia as a landlocked country. Currently, Ethiopia heavily relies on a port in Djibouti for maritime exports.

Sisi sternly addressed Ethiopia, stating that attempts to seize territory and exert control would not be tolerated. Instead, he stressed the importance of cooperation on developmental projects as a more viable strategy.

In response to Egypt's criticism, Ethiopia's national security advisor, Redwan Hussien, defended the deal as a purely commercial agreement aimed at securing sea access, rather than an annexation of territory.

Last week, Egypt's foreign minister labeled Ethiopia as a source of instability in the region, a statement that Ethiopia dismissed as "irrelevant." Tensions between the two countries have been ongoing for years, primarily due to Ethiopia's construction of a major dam on the Blue Nile, which is shared by both nations.

The situation surrounding Somaliland's independence claim and the controversial port lease deal continues to unfold, with Egypt's involvement signaling a potential escalation. As international attention turns towards the Horn of Africa, the geopolitical dynamics in the region grow increasingly complex.