Mogadishu, Somalia – A 16-member delegation from the Egyptian Armed Forces arrived in Mogadishu on Monday to begin a reconnaissance mission ahead of Egypt’s planned troop deployment to the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM).
The team, led by Major General Islam Radwan, was received at Aden Adde International Airport by senior officials from both AUSSOM and the Somali National Armed Forces (SNAF). The visit marks Egypt’s first formal step toward operational participation in the newly established African Union mission, which replaces ATMIS and is tasked with supporting Somalia’s fight against terrorism and stabilizing liberated areas.
Upon arrival, the Egyptian officers held a meeting with AUSSOM leadership, led by Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (SRCC) and Head of Mission, Ambassador El Hadji Ibrahima Diene. They were later briefed at the AUSSOM Force Headquarters on the current security situation, mission objectives, and operational requirements.
The delegation is expected to carry out a detailed assessment of strategic locations in Mogadishu, including facilities earmarked for troop accommodation, logistics, and field operations. According to officials, the inspection tour will help finalize deployment plans for Egyptian forces that will join other African contingents under AUSSOM in supporting Somali-led security efforts.
Egypt’s decision to contribute troops comes at a critical juncture, as Somalia prepares to assume full security responsibility amid the gradual drawdown of international forces. The addition of Egyptian personnel is seen as a significant boost to regional security cooperation, particularly given Cairo’s longstanding ties with Mogadishu and its recent diplomatic stance supporting Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The reconnaissance mission is expected to conclude in the coming days, after which Cairo will finalize the timeline and scale of its troop contribution to AUSSOM.