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A high-ranking military delegation from Egypt has arrived in Mogadishu to prepare for the upcoming deployment of Egyptian troops to the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM). The move signals Egypt’s growing role in supporting peace and stability efforts in Somalia, a country still battling the persistent threat of al-Shabaab militants.
The 16-member delegation, led by Maj. Gen. Islam Radwan, touched down in Mogadishu on Sunday. They were officially received by officers from both AUSSOM and the Somali National Armed Forces (SNAF). Their arrival is a major step in finalizing preparations for Egypt’s formal participation in AUSSOM, which recently received approval from the African Union Peace and Security Council (AUPSC).
During their visit, the Egyptian officers held several high-level meetings with mission leaders and Somali officials. One of the key engagements was with the Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (SRCC) and Head of Mission, Ambassador El Hadji Ibrahima Diene. They also attended a detailed security briefing at the AUSSOM Force Headquarters, where they were briefed on the mission’s ongoing operations, challenges, and the overall security environment in Somalia.
The delegation also visited the headquarters of the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), which previously oversaw stabilization efforts in the country before its gradual handover to AUSSOM. This meeting provided the Egyptian team with insights into past and current strategies used to confront al-Shabaab and maintain stability in government-controlled areas.
Over the course of their stay, the delegation is expected to tour key facilities in Mogadishu and beyond. These visits will help identify suitable locations and logistical arrangements for the Egyptian contingent once they officially deploy. The inspections include assessing troop accommodation, supply lines, and operational readiness in the field.
Egypt’s participation is considered a significant boost for AUSSOM, which has been working closely with Somali forces to combat al-Shabaab. Despite years of military operations, the group remains deeply entrenched in rural areas of Somalia, where it continues to launch deadly attacks against civilians, security forces, and government institutions. The militants, who are linked to al-Qaeda, remain one of the biggest threats to Somalia’s stability.
Somalia’s federal government, together with regional allies and international partners, has been engaged in continuous military campaigns to weaken al-Shabaab’s influence and dismantle its operational networks. These campaigns have had some success in recovering territory and securing key urban centers, but the group’s resilience has kept Somalia’s security situation fragile.
The deployment of Egyptian troops comes at a time when Somalia is still in transition, working to build stronger national institutions and a capable security sector. AUSSOM’s mandate is to provide direct support to Somalia’s armed forces while helping create the conditions necessary for long-term peace and stability. The arrival of Egypt as a new troop-contributing country reflects broader African solidarity and the recognition that Somalia’s security challenges have regional and continental implications.
For Somalia, the presence of Egyptian forces adds another layer of support in its struggle against extremism. For Egypt, the move underscores its commitment to African-led peacekeeping initiatives and its willingness to contribute to collective security on the continent.
As the delegation continues its inspections and planning sessions, both Somali and African Union officials have expressed optimism that Egypt’s contribution will strengthen ongoing operations. The expectation is that the additional manpower and expertise will help Somali forces expand their reach, protect civilian populations, and consolidate gains made in the fight against al-Shabaab.
The coming weeks will determine the pace and scale of the Egyptian deployment, but Sunday’s visit has already marked the beginning of a new chapter in Somalia’s long-running battle for stability. With Egypt joining the effort, AUSSOM is set to gain renewed momentum in its mission to support Somalia’s path toward peace and security.