Egypt is transporting troops to Somalia via air and sea as part of a new African Union mission to combat Alshabab. This marks a significant step in Cairo’s strategy to expand its influence in the Horn of Africa while addressing regional security concerns.
The deployment follows Somalia’s request to replace Ethiopian forces with Egyptian troops in the upcoming African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM). This new force will succeed the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), which ended its mandate in December. The AUSSOM mission is set to begin in January with over 11,000 pledged troops, of which Egypt will reportedly contribute 25%.
This deployment underscores Egypt’s growing involvement in African affairs and reflects its efforts to gain leverage in its dispute with Ethiopia over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD). By establishing a military presence near Ethiopia’s border, Egypt could pressure Addis Ababa to negotiate more favorably on Nile water-sharing issues.
Egypt’s existing military personnel in Somalia, operating under a bilateral agreement signed earlier this year, are already advising Somali forces and protecting key leaders and installations. This enhanced role comes as tensions between Somalia and Ethiopia remain unresolved, with Ethiopia excluded from AUSSOM due to its past shortcomings in addressing Alshabab threats.
The United Nations recently endorsed the AUSSOM mission, lending legitimacy to Egypt’s involvement. This comes amid broader rivalries in the region, including competition with Turkey for influence in Africa. While Egypt and Turkey have improved bilateral ties, their competition in Somalia and the Horn of Africa remains evident.
Additionally, Somalia’s closer alignment with Egypt follows Ethiopia’s controversial maritime deal with Somaliland, which Somalia viewed as a violation of its sovereignty. Egypt’s deployment to Somalia bolsters its regional presence, complementing its existing military bases in Eritrea and Djibouti and its cooperation agreements with other African nations.
For Egypt, the Nile remains a critical national security concern, with President Abdel Fattah El Sisi emphasizing its importance as a “source of life.” The country’s actions in Somalia reflect its broader strategy to safeguard its water security and strengthen its foothold in a geopolitically vital region.