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    Somalia and Egypt Strengthen Strategic Partnership in Fight Against Terrorism

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    Somali Magazine - People's Magazine

    In a significant move to bolster regional security, Somalia and Egypt have agreed to enhance their cooperation in the fight against terrorism, particularly targeting the al-Shabaab militant group. The announcement came on Sunday, January 27, 2025, following final technical discussions between the two nations on Egypt’s participation in a new African Union peacekeeping mission in Somalia. This development marks a pivotal step in strengthening the strategic partnership between the two countries, which has been steadily growing over the past year.

    The Somali Defense Ministry confirmed Egypt’s commitment to supporting Somalia in its ongoing battle against terrorism. In a statement, the ministry emphasized Egypt’s potential role in eliminating the Khawaarij, a term used by the Somali government to describe the al-Qaeda-affiliated al-Shabaab group. “The Federal Government of Somalia (FGS) is cognizant of the role Egypt can partake in eliminating the Khawaarij and looks forward to their contribution alongside other Troop Partner Nations,” the statement read.

    This agreement follows a recent official visit by Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud to Egypt, where he met with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi. During their meeting, the two leaders agreed to elevate their bilateral relationship to a strategic partnership, focusing on areas such as education, justice, politics, security, communications, and economic development. They also pledged to accelerate cooperation between their respective judicial and security institutions, underscoring the importance of collaboration in maintaining regional stability.

    As part of their strengthened ties, the foreign ministers of Somalia and Egypt signed an agreement to exempt holders of Somali diplomatic passports from visa requirements. This move is expected to facilitate smoother diplomatic interactions and enhance cooperation between the two governments. Additionally, the two nations have already laid the groundwork for this partnership through a defense pact signed in August 2024 during President Mohamud’s visit to Cairo.

    The African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), which began its five-year mandate in early January 2025, will serve as a platform for Egypt’s involvement in Somalia’s stabilization efforts. The mission aims to support the Somali government in its fight against terrorism and to promote long-term peace and security in the region. Egypt’s participation in AUSSOM is seen as a critical contribution to the mission’s success, given its experience in counterterrorism and regional diplomacy.

    Beyond security cooperation, the economic ties between Somalia and Egypt have also seen significant growth. According to Egypt’s statistics authority, the trade volume between the two countries reached $59 million in the first half of 2024, nearly doubling from $31 million during the same period in 2023. This economic partnership is expected to deepen further as the two nations continue to explore new avenues for collaboration.

    The strengthened alliance between Somalia and Egypt comes at a time when the Horn of Africa is grappling with complex security challenges, including the persistent threat posed by al-Shabaab. By joining forces, the two nations aim to not only address immediate security concerns but also to lay the foundation for sustainable development and regional stability.

    As Somalia continues its efforts to rebuild and stabilize, the support of regional partners like Egypt will be crucial. The latest agreement underscores the importance of international cooperation in combating terrorism and fostering peace, setting a positive precedent for other nations in the region.

     

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