Somalia welcomes first Egyptian troops for new AU mission

Somalia’s Ministry of Defence has welcomed the completion of the first training programme for Egyptian Armed Forces units that are set to join the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM).

The Ministry described the development as a significant step in strengthening security cooperation between the two countries and advancing Somalia’s transition towards assuming full responsibility for its own security.

In a statement, the Ministry praised Egypt’s growing involvement in Somalia’s stabilisation efforts, noting that the deployment of Egyptian troops had been formally approved by the African Union Peace and Security Council (AUPSC).

“This step underscores Egypt’s strong commitment to supporting Somalia’s security and strengthening the capacity of the Somali National Army through the new AUSSOM framework,” the Ministry said.

According to the Ministry, the new arrangement reflects not only the partnership between Mogadishu and Cairo but also the wider collaboration of African and international partners engaged in reinforcing Somalia’s national security institutions.

The Ministry highlighted the importance of joint operations in countering militant groups, stating that organisations such as Al-Shabaab and the so-called Islamic State remain a major threat to national and regional stability.

Egypt’s participation in AUSSOM also comes at a time of shifting regional dynamics. The decision to include Egyptian troops as part of the new AU mission followed a period of heightened tension between Somalia and Ethiopia. Relations between the two countries deteriorated after Ethiopia signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Somaliland in January 2024, which Mogadishu strongly opposed. In response, Somalia intensified its defence cooperation with Egypt, securing weapons shipments and conducting joint training programmes.

Despite the dispute, Somalia and Ethiopia later reached a consensus on Ethiopian participation in AUSSOM. The agreement was concluded after a visit to Mogadishu in February by Ethiopia’s army chief, Field Marshal Birhanu Jula, during which both sides affirmed Ethiopia’s continued presence in the mission under the new AU framework.

AUSSOM is replacing the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS). The new mission is designed to maintain military pressure on insurgent groups while supporting Somalia’s federal government in preparing its forces to take over security responsibilities. Under the AUSSOM structure, the mission will deploy 11,900 personnel, comprising soldiers, police, and civilian staff.

Uganda will provide the largest military component with 4,500 troops, followed by Ethiopia with 2,500, Djibouti with 1,520, and Kenya with 1,410.

Egypt will contribute 1,091 troops, marking its first deployment to Somalia under an AU mandate. Police contingents from Nigeria, Sierra Leone, and Egypt are also expected to be stationed in Mogadishu, Jowhar, and Baidoa, respectively, to support stabilisation and law enforcement efforts.

Somalia’s Ministry of Defence emphasised that the involvement of multiple troop-contributing countries demonstrates the shared commitment across the continent to help Somalia complete its transition.

“The African Union and international partners are playing a crucial role in enhancing Somalia’s security institutions and accelerating the fight against terrorist groups Al-Shabaab and Daesh,” the Ministry noted in remarks carried by the Somalia National News Agency (SONNA).

Egypt’s entry into the mission signals a deepening of regional security cooperation at a time when Somalia is implementing a national transition plan. This plan aims to progressively transfer security responsibilities from international forces to the Somali National Army and federal police, with the eventual objective of a self-sustaining national security architecture.

The deployment also highlights the African Union’s balancing role in managing regional sensitivities while sustaining the fight against insurgent groups. With Ethiopia, Kenya, Djibouti, Uganda, and now Egypt all contributing forces, AUSSOM represents a collective African response to one of the continent’s most persistent security challenges.

Other Topics To Read

• Somalia
• African Union Peace and Security Council
• AUSSOM
• African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia
• Egyptian troops
• Somalia welcomes first Egyptian troops for new AU mission
• Headlines

Somalia’s government has repeatedly said that strengthening its security institutions and building a capable national army are key to defeating militant groups and ensuring long-term stability. The entry of Egyptian troops, alongside established contingents, is expected to enhance operational capacity while providing the Somali government with additional support as it works to expand state authority across the country.