Mogadishu, Somalia – The Minister of Defense, Ahmed Moalin Fiqi, along with the army chief, arrived in Egypt on Monday for an unannounced visit to enhance strategic relations and regional security collaboration, according to government sources.
The trip coincides with Egypt’s preparations to send troops to Somalia in support of the under-resourced African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), which is grappling with logistical and funding issues.
Egypt is embroiled in a dispute with Ethiopia concerning the Grand Renaissance Dam on the Nile, and experts indicate that the troop deployment could serve as part of a larger effort to offset Ethiopia’s influence in the region and extend Egypt’s military footprint in the Horn of Africa.
“The trip focuses on bolstering military ties, training Somali troops, improving national defense capabilities, and promoting regional stability,” one source stated.
Insiders familiar with the visit noted that Egyptian troops are slated to reach Somalia shortly to aid in training and join peacekeeping efforts.
This journey follows a defense and security pact signed in August 2025 by Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi, permitting Egypt to station forces and set up military bases in Somalia.
Security experts in the region believe Egypt’s initiative will amplify its strategic role in the Horn of Africa and safeguard its security and water interests.
Somalia’s Defense Ministry indicated that the visit may yield fresh pacts on military collaboration, troop training, and involvement in global peacekeeping operations.
The Egyptian troop presence is anticipated to strengthen Somalia’s ability to tackle security threats amid persistent regional strains and to reinforce AUSSOM’s operations.
