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Djibouti has pledged to increase its military presence in Somalia as part of ongoing efforts to help counter the persistent threat of al-Shabaab. The announcement was made by Djibouti’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Mohamed Siad Doualeh, during his address to the UN General Assembly on Tuesday.
Doualeh praised Somalia’s recent progress in rebuilding its state institutions and strengthening national security. However, he stressed that the country continues to face major challenges, with terrorist attacks still threatening the lives of civilians, security forces, and humanitarian workers. For this reason, he said, Djibouti is committed to deepening its support to Somalia at this critical moment.
To solidify this renewed commitment, Djibouti and Somalia have signed a new bilateral agreement that allows for the deployment of additional Djiboutian troops into Somalia. These forces will play a dual role: they will strengthen military operations against al-Shabaab while also supporting broader stabilization initiatives under the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM). The deployment is expected to ease the pressure on Somali security forces, who have been carrying the bulk of the fight in recent months.
Djibouti has a long history of contributing troops to Somalia. For over a decade, it has been part of the African Union’s peacekeeping operations aimed at stabilizing the Horn of Africa nation. Over the years, its soldiers have supported offensive campaigns against al-Shabaab, provided protection for key government institutions, and worked alongside Somali forces to reclaim territory once controlled by the militants. With this new pledge, Djibouti is reinforcing its role as a key regional partner in the fight against extremism.
During his remarks, Doualeh also appealed to the international community for greater assistance. He highlighted that while Somalia has made progress, the country’s security institutions remain fragile and under strain. Without sufficient international backing, he warned, it will be difficult for Somalia to sustain recent gains against al-Shabaab. He urged countries and international organizations to continue providing both financial and logistical support to ensure that Somalia does not backslide.
The move by Djibouti comes at a time when Somalia is pushing forward with both political and security reforms. The Somali government has repeatedly emphasized its determination to defeat al-Shabaab and create the conditions for lasting peace and stability. However, the group remains active, carrying out deadly attacks that disrupt daily life and target both security personnel and civilians. The presence of additional Djiboutian forces is expected to give Somali troops a much-needed boost as they expand military operations in central and southern parts of the country.
Djibouti’s involvement is not only a show of solidarity with Somalia but also a reflection of its own security concerns. Given its geographical location and shared history with Somalia, Djibouti has always viewed instability in its neighbor as a direct threat to regional peace. By strengthening Somalia’s ability to combat al-Shabaab, Djibouti is also contributing to the safety and stability of the wider Horn of Africa.
The pledge underscores a broader reality: the fight against terrorism in Somalia cannot be won by the country alone. It requires a united regional and international effort. As Somalia continues to strengthen its own security forces, support from countries like Djibouti and assistance from the wider global community will remain critical. For now, Djibouti’s commitment to send additional troops marks an important step toward supporting Somalia in its ongoing struggle for peace and stability.