Egypt’s Military Delegation Meets Defence Minister Fiqi in Mogadishu

MOGADISHU — Somalia’s Minister of Defence, Ahmed Moallim Fiqi, received a delegation of Egyptian military officers at his office on Saturday, accompanied by Egypt’s Ambassador to Somalia, Mohamed Salah Keshtah.

The meeting focused on strengthening relations and cooperation between the two nations, with both sides exchanging views on matters of mutual interest and the advancement of collaboration in the defence and security sectors.

Minister Fiqi commended the Egyptian government’s support for safeguarding Somalia’s sovereignty and unity, as well as its backing of Somalia’s efforts to combat terrorism and rebuild the Somali National Army.

Background of the Partnership

The defence relationship has deepened steadily over the past two years. Ambassador Keshtah, who was appointed to his post in late 2025, has been actively engaged with Somali officials across multiple sectors, as detailed in FTL Somalia’s reporting on Somalia-Egypt strategic ties. Security and defence cooperation have emerged as central pillars of the relationship, with Ambassador Keshtah previously holding talks with Minister Fiqi on advancing defence sector collaboration.

In August 2025, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi signed a defence agreement described by the Somali president as a “testament to a future of common defence against international terrorism.” Egypt has since contributed military weapons and equipment to Somalia as part of efforts to bolster the Somali National Army’s operational capacity.

Egypt’s role in the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) has also progressed. Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty confirmed that Egyptian troops will be stationed in the Middle Shabelle region, where they will work closely with the Somali National Army to strengthen local capacity and ensure civilian protection. President El-Sisi confirmed in February 2026 that arrangements for the deployment of Egyptian forces were in progress.

Beyond defence, the two nations have expanded cooperation into judicial collaboration, trade, and water resource management, with a memorandum of understanding signed in December 2024. At the Fifth Aswan Forum for Sustainable Peace and Development in October 2025, Somali and Egyptian foreign ministers agreed to enhance cooperation across security, trade, investment, health, and sustainable development.

Critical Note

Egypt’s defence engagement with Somalia has expanded rapidly since late 2025, moving from diplomatic meetings to a formal military cooperation protocol and the delivery of military aid. The frequency of Egyptian military delegations in Mogadishu suggests a sustained commitment rather than a symbolic gesture.

For Somalia, Egypt represents a partner willing to provide training, equipment, and eventually troops under AUSSOM. Cairo’s motivation is also strategic: Egypt views Somalia’s stability as directly linked to its own national security, particularly in the context of Nile waters disputes and Red Sea geopolitics.

The key question is whether this cooperation translates into measurable improvements in SNA capacity. Egypt has pledged support, but the pace of implementation and the specific capabilities being transferred remain unclear. Until then, the partnership remains one of announcements and protocols.