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Somalia and Egypt are moving closer in their efforts to strengthen security and promote stability in the Horn of Africa. On Monday, Somali Minister of Defence Ahmed Moallim Fiqi met with his Egyptian counterpart, General Abdel Majeed Saqr, and senior Egyptian military officials in Cairo to discuss ways to enhance cooperation between the two countries.
During the meeting, Minister Fiqi praised Egypt for its continued role in promoting peace and stability across the region. He described the relationship between Mogadishu and Cairo as one based on mutual understanding and shared strategic interests. Fiqi emphasized that Somalia values Egypt’s partnership, especially in the fight against terrorism and in efforts to stabilise the country as it continues to recover from decades of conflict.
General Saqr, speaking on behalf of the Egyptian Armed Forces, reassured Somalia of Egypt’s readiness to deepen military ties. He said his country is committed to supporting Somalia’s long-term security goals and confirmed that Egyptian troops will soon join the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM). This mission, which replaced the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), is designed to support Somali forces as they take greater responsibility for securing their own territory.
According to Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, the deployment will specifically cover Sector Five of the AUSSOM mission, located in the Middle Shabelle region. The Egyptian contingent will take over from Burundian forces who are scheduled to withdraw in the coming weeks. President Mohamud explained that the new troops will be stationed between the districts of Balcad and Mahaday, both key areas in central Somalia where security challenges remain. He dismissed speculation reported by some media outlets suggesting the Egyptian soldiers would be deployed near the Ethiopian border in Gedo, clarifying that the focus is firmly on Middle Shabelle.
The presence of Egyptian troops in Somalia is being seen as a significant step in bolstering the country’s security and deepening ties between the two nations. Somalia has been battling the militant group al-Shabaab for years, with support from African Union peacekeepers and international partners. The government in Mogadishu has recently stepped up military operations with the aim of liberating more areas still under militant control. Having Egypt’s support through both military presence and broader cooperation is expected to bring added momentum to these operations.
Beyond the battlefield, the relationship between Somalia and Egypt carries regional weight. Both countries share common interests in ensuring stability in the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea corridor, areas critical for trade, security, and economic development. For Somalia, which is seeking strong and reliable allies as it rebuilds, Egypt’s involvement provides a valuable partnership. For Egypt, strengthening ties with Somalia helps reinforce its influence in the region and contributes to broader regional security goals.
The announcement of Egypt’s deployment also comes at a time when African Union forces are gradually handing over more responsibility to Somali security forces. The transition is a delicate process, as Somalia still faces challenges in fully securing its vast territory. Egypt’s arrival is therefore viewed as timely, not only to fill the gap left by departing Burundian forces but also to boost confidence in Somalia’s ongoing security reforms.
The meeting in Cairo highlighted the willingness of both countries to look beyond immediate threats and focus on long-term stability. Both sides agreed that continued collaboration and shared commitment will be essential for achieving peace and prosperity, not just for Somalia but for the wider region.
As the Egyptian contingent prepares to take up its new responsibilities in Middle Shabelle, Somalia’s leadership has expressed optimism that this fresh partnership will help sustain momentum in the fight against al-Shabaab and bring the country closer to lasting peace.
The 7th parliamentary session begins at a time when Somalia is receiving more global attention. During his trip to the United Nations, President Mohamud had underscored the country’s progress on security, governance, and constitutional reforms, signaling to international partners that Somalia is moving in the right direction. His message to lawmakers this week carried the same tone: a call for unity, resilience, and collective responsibility as Somalia works toward lasting peace and growth.