Cairo, Egypt – Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty has confirmed that Egypt is in the final stages of deploying its troops to Somalia under the newly established African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM). The deployment marks a significant milestone in Cairo’s renewed engagement in regional peace and security efforts.
Speaking during a press briefing in Cairo, Abdelatty said the Egyptian contingent will be stationed in the Middle Shabelle region, one of the most volatile areas still grappling with persistent insecurity from al-Shabaab insurgents. The troops are expected to replace Burundian forces who are scheduled to withdraw from the area by the end of the year as part of the ongoing transition from the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) to AUSSOM.
“This deployment reflects Egypt’s unwavering commitment to Somalia’s stability and to the broader security of the Horn of Africa. Our forces will work closely with the Somali National Army to strengthen local capacity and ensure the protection of civilians during this critical transition period,” Abdelatty said.
The move comes as AUSSOM prepares to take over from ATMIS, which has been gradually drawing down since 2023. Unlike its predecessor, AUSSOM will operate with a smaller and more targeted mandate—focusing on supporting Somali-led security operations, consolidating government control in liberated areas, and facilitating humanitarian access.
Somali officials have welcomed Egypt’s decision, describing it as a sign of deepening ties between Mogadishu and Cairo. The two nations have strengthened diplomatic and defense cooperation in recent years, with Egypt repeatedly voicing support for Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, especially in light of regional tensions stemming from Ethiopia’s controversial maritime agreement.
The Middle Shabelle region, where Egyptian troops will be deployed, has long been a strategic flashpoint in the fight against al-Shabaab. The area includes the key town of Jowhar, the administrative capital of HirShabelle State, and lies along critical supply routes linking Mogadishu to central Somalia.
Local leaders hope the new deployment will bring renewed stability and enhance coordination with Somali security forces.
With preparations nearly complete, Egyptian troops are expected to arrive in Somalia within weeks, marking Cairo’s most visible military engagement in the Horn of Africa in decades. Observers say the deployment also underscores Egypt’s broader strategy of reasserting its influence in the Red Sea and East African regions through diplomacy, development, and peacekeeping.
As the final phase of ATMIS winds down, the arrival of new partners like Egypt under AUSSOM signals a renewed regional commitment to Somalia’s long-term stability—a goal that has eluded the nation for over three decades but remains within reach through sustained cooperation and trust.