Egypt’s intention to deploy forces to Somalia following the exit of the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) has been a topic of speculation.
The North Africa country intends to be the first country to deploy troops in Somalia following ATMIS’ complete withdrawal.
ATMIS has been pulling its troops from Somalia since last year in a gradual process.
Its forces will not be in Somalia after December 31, 2024.
However, it is important to note that there has not been any official confirmation from either the Egyptian or Somali governments regarding this deployment.
The transition from ATMIS to a new mission called the African Union Stabilization Support Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) is currently under discussion, and troop-contributing countries for AUSSOM have not yet been confirmed.
Egypt has expressed its commitment to Somalia’s unity and territorial integrity and its opposition to actions that could endanger it.
The North Africans have thrown their weight behind Somalia in the latter’s ongoing diplomatic row with Ethiopia.