Senior Egyptian Military Delegation Arrives in Mogadishu to Deepen Defence Cooperation

MOGADISHU — A senior Egyptian military delegation arrived in Mogadishu on Tuesday as Somalia and Egypt move to strengthen military cooperation, with talks focused on establishing a military training school and providing equipment support to the Somali National Army.

The delegation held discussions with senior Somali military officials, including Brigadier General Mohamed Mahmoud Garabey, Commander of the Somali National Army Sustainment Command, and Brigadier General Ahmed Issa Ahmed, Commander of TRADOC, ahead of further talks with the Commander of the Somali Armed Forces.

The visit is focused on advancing previously agreed areas of military cooperation between Somalia and Egypt, including plans to establish a military training school in Somalia and Egyptian support for the Somali National Army through the provision of military equipment and other forms of assistance aimed at strengthening the capacity of Somali forces.

A Growing Defence Partnership

The Egyptian delegation’s visit is the latest in a series of high-level military engagements between Mogadishu and Cairo. In June 2026, Somali National Army Commander Major General Ibrahim Mohamed Mahmoud met with Egypt’s Defense Attaché to Somalia, Major General Ahmed Fathi Abdelsattar, to discuss military training, capacity-building support for Somali forces, and cooperation within the framework of AUSSOM.

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

The State Minister of Defence and the SNA Land Forces Commander have also met with Egypt’s Defence Attaché, Colonel Ahmed Fathi Al-Husseini, to focus on military training, capacity building and Egypt’s upcoming troop deployment to AUSSOM. Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty has confirmed that the Egyptian contingent will be stationed in the Middle Shabelle region, one of the most volatile areas still grappling with al-Shabaab, where they will work closely with the Somali National Army to strengthen local capacity and ensure civilian protection.

Egypt’s Ministry of Defence has announced the successful completion of the first training programme for units of the Egyptian Armed Forces set to join AUSSOM. The programme prepared the contingent for counter-terrorism operations, peace support tasks, and collaboration with Somali and regional security partners.

The African Union Peace and Security Council has officially endorsed Egypt as one of the Troop-Contributing Countries for AUSSOM, with Egypt contributing 1,091 troops to the mission.

Strategic Dimensions

The deepening military ties between Somalia and Egypt reflect broader strategic dynamics in the Horn of Africa. President El-Sisi has reaffirmed Egypt’s steadfast support for Somalia’s sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity, and the two leaders have cautioned that actions by external actors to recognize Somaliland are contrary to international law.

Beyond security, the two nations have expanded their partnership into judicial collaboration and trade. At the Fifth Aswan Forum for Sustainable Peace and Development in October 2025, the two countries agreed to enhance cooperation in water resource management through a memorandum of understanding signed in December 2024.

Egypt has repeatedly expressed support for Somalia’s territorial integrity and has maintained close ties with Mogadishu through Arab League, African Union and bilateral diplomatic channels. Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty dismissed Israel’s purported recognition of Somaliland, characterizing it as an infringement upon Somalia’s internationally recognized boundaries.

Somalia and Egypt have also pledged to strengthen their partnership across security, trade, investment, health, and sustainable development, reflecting a comprehensive relationship that extends beyond military cooperation.

Critical Note

The arrival of senior Egyptian military officials in Mogadishu marks another step in the deepening defence relationship between the two countries. Egypt’s willingness to provide military training, equipment and troop contributions to AUSSOM reflects its commitment to supporting Somalia’s security transition and its interest in countering rival influences in the Horn of Africa.

For Somalia, the partnership with Egypt offers access to additional military expertise and resources at a time when the country is preparing to assume greater responsibility for its security as AUSSOM gradually reduces its footprint. However, Somalia must manage its relationships with multiple security partners, including Turkey and Egypt, in a way that advances its own national interests without becoming entangled in regional rivalries.

The establishment of a military training school in Somalia, if implemented, could contribute to the long-term development of Somali security forces by reducing dependence on external trainers. The details of the arrangement, including its location, funding and curriculum, have not been publicly disclosed, and their transparency will be important for building public confidence in the initiative.