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Five African nations, including three of Somalia’s neighbors, will deploy a combined force of 11,900 troops under the African Union’s new Somalia Mission (AUSSOM) to help stabilize the country and counter the persistent threat of Al-Shabaab militants.
Somalia’s National Security Advisor, Hussein Sheikh-Ali Moalim, announced Wednesday that Uganda will contribute the largest contingent with 4,500 soldiers, followed by Ethiopia with 2,500, Djibouti with 1,520, Kenya with 1,410, and Egypt with 1,091. The deployment aims to reinforce ongoing counterinsurgency efforts and bolster security operations in key regions.
The confirmation of Ethiopia’s involvement comes after weeks of diplomatic tensions between Mogadishu and Addis Ababa. Somalia had initially resisted Ethiopian troop participation due to a controversial memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed between Ethiopia and Somaliland. However, after resolving the dispute, both nations have moved forward with coordinated military efforts under AUSSOM.
Joint military operations are already underway, with Somali government forces advancing toward Bu’ale and Jilib, two of the last remaining Al-Shabaab strongholds in the Middle and Lower Jubba regions. These towns serve as strategic bases for the militant group, making them critical targets in Somalia’s ongoing offensive.
The deployment of nearly 12,000 troops underscores renewed momentum in Somalia’s efforts to weaken Al-Shabaab’s operational capabilities. Despite years of counterterrorism campaigns, the group remains a major security threat, frequently launching attacks on military and civilian targets across the country.
Somali security forces, working alongside African Union troops, have intensified their offensives in recent months. The Somali government has emphasized its long-term goal of strengthening its national army to eventually assume full security responsibilities once AU forces withdraw. Officials have reaffirmed their commitment to training and equipping Somali forces to ensure lasting stability.
Egypt’s involvement in AUSSOM is particularly notable, as Cairo has historically maintained limited direct military engagement in Somalia. Analysts suggest that Egypt’s participation aligns with its broader regional interests, including counterbalancing Ethiopia’s influence and securing strategic alliances in the Horn of Africa.
As the new AU mission takes shape, Somalia remains focused on eliminating militant threats and creating a more secure environment for political and economic development. The international community continues to support Somalia’s stabilization efforts, recognizing the country’s progress in reclaiming territory from extremist groups.