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Egypt has confirmed its participation in the new African Union (AU) mission aimed at bolstering stability in Somalia, according to a statement by the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Ambassador Tamim Khallaf. The initiative aligns with Egypt’s broader strategy of supporting regional security and institutional development across Africa.
Ambassador Khallaf disclosed the decision during an interview with the Hadrat Al-Mowaten program, emphasizing that Egypt’s involvement is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen Somalia’s state institutions and governance capacity. He highlighted the importance of aiding Somalia in its fight against terrorism and extremist organizations, as well as helping the nation secure control over its territories, both on land and at sea.
The new AU mission in Somalia comes amid continued instability in the region, with terrorist threats and governance challenges persisting despite years of international efforts. Egypt’s participation reflects its commitment to Africa’s collective security and regional cooperation, with a focus on long-term stabilization and capacity building.
Khallaf further noted that Egypt’s support would focus on enhancing Somalia’s institutional capabilities to ensure it can independently manage security threats and border control. This includes providing technical expertise, security training, and advisory assistance for Somali state institutions, emphasizing sustainable, long-term strategies over temporary interventions.
This announcement follows a series of diplomatic engagements between Egypt and Somalia. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi met with Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud in Cairo in January 2024, where both leaders pledged to deepen bilateral cooperation, including defense and security collaboration. The renewed engagement signals Egypt’s strategic interest in ensuring stability across the Horn of Africa, a region critical for maritime security and trade routes.
The AU’s new mission is designed to replace the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), which had previously been tasked with peacekeeping operations and supporting Somalia’s security transition. The evolving approach seeks to shift focus from external peacekeeping to empowering Somalia’s national institutions for self-reliance in security and governance matters.
Egypt’s involvement also reflects broader regional interests, particularly as tensions have arisen in the Horn of Africa due to security threats and geopolitical rivalries. By actively participating in the AU mission, Egypt aims to reinforce regional collaboration while advocating for African-led solutions to African security challenges.
Beyond security cooperation, Egypt and Somalia have also strengthened their defense ties through multiple bilateral agreements. This cooperation extends to intelligence sharing, joint military training, and capacity-building efforts aimed at counterterrorism operations. The defense collaboration aligns with the African Union’s Agenda 2063, which emphasizes self-sufficiency, regional integration, and conflict resolution across the continent.
Egypt’s renewed role in Somalia is also tied to the Red Sea security situation, which has become increasingly important for Egypt due to its proximity to vital trade routes. Ambassador Khallaf previously stressed that Red Sea security should be managed by littoral states, reflecting Egypt’s stance on minimizing foreign interference while emphasizing African leadership in regional stability efforts.
While Egypt’s commitment to supporting Somalia’s stability has been welcomed by many regional stakeholders, challenges remain. The AU mission’s success will largely depend on coordinated efforts between member states, financial support, and Somalia’s ability to implement sustainable governance reforms. Nonetheless, Egypt’s proactive engagement provides hope for improved regional security and stronger diplomatic ties across Africa.