Egyptian forces are expected to join the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) once technical and legal arrangements are completed, officials said, strengthening continental efforts to support peace and security in Somalia amid ongoing threats from the armed group Al-Shabaab.
The deployment will see Egyptian troops take part in AUSSOM, which replaced the previous African Union mission late in 2024 and continues work to support the Somali federal government, reinforce security, and help stabilise the country’s institutions.
According to Somali and AU officials, the Egyptian contingent is expected to be stationed in areas such as Middle Shabelle, taking over bases previously held by long-serving Burundian forces that helped curb militant control in parts of the country including the capital, Mogadishu.
AUSSOM’s leadership has warned that funding remains a central challenge for the mission’s effectiveness, noting that discussions are ongoing with international partners to secure sustained financial support for operations and the training of Somali security forces.
Egypt’s participation reflects a broader commitment by African states to jointly address the security challenges posed by Al-Shabaab and contribute to long-term stability in the Horn of Africa under the AU’s peace and security framework.
