Egypt is preparing to deploy troops to Somalia as part of the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), which will succeed the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) in early 2025. This development highlights Egypt’s expanding role in regional peacekeeping but has sparked tension with Ethiopia, potentially complicating the mission’s objectives, Hiiraan Online reports.
Defense Minister Mohamed Zaki was briefed on the military’s readiness for deployment, including updates on training, logistical preparations, and equipment upgrades. Major General Abdirahman Abdullahi, Egypt’s Chief of Staff, stated, “Our forces are prepared to contribute to Somalia’s stability through AUSSOM, reflecting our commitment to regional security under the African Union framework.”
Egypt plans to send 10,000 troops to Somalia, with half joining AUSSOM and the remainder engaged in bilateral security initiatives under a defense agreement signed in August. Some forces have already been deployed, with military advisors and counter-terrorism experts working alongside Somali counterparts to support the transition before Ethiopia completes its withdrawal from ATMIS by the end of December 2024.
Ethiopia, which currently provides 22,000 troops to ATMIS, views Egypt’s increasing involvement as a challenge to its influence in the region. Adding to tensions, Ethiopia’s separate pact with Somaliland for Red Sea access in exchange for recognizing its sovereignty has strained relations with Somalia.
The situation has further implications for Somalia’s fragile security. Analysts warn that delays in transitioning to AUSSOM could benefit Al-Shabaab, which still controls parts of southern and central Somalia. Additionally, Somali state governments have expressed concerns about security gaps arising from Ethiopia’s withdrawal.
Meanwhile, the growing partnership between Egypt, Somalia, and Eritrea signals a strategic realignment in the Horn of Africa. During a recent summit in Asmara, the three nations pledged to safeguard regional sovereignty and key maritime routes like the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, critical to international trade and Egypt’s interests.
Egypt’s involvement in Somalia also carries broader geopolitical implications, including its longstanding Nile water dispute with Ethiopia. Cairo may be leveraging its influence in the Horn of Africa to counter Ethiopia’s regional ambitions, particularly concerning the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD).
