Somalia and Egypt have announced a partnership to combat the Al-Shabaab militant group, following recent technical discussions on African Union peacekeeping initiatives. Egypt has pledged support for Somalia’s counter-terrorism efforts, according to the Somali Defense Ministry.
The discussions align with the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), which commenced its five-year mandate earlier this year. Somalia views Egypt’s involvement as crucial in eliminating Al-Shabaab, referred to by the Somali government as Khawaarij.
This announcement follows Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s visit to Egypt, where he met President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi. The two leaders agreed to elevate bilateral relations to a strategic level, focusing on areas such as security, education, justice, and economic development.
As part of these strengthened ties, agreements were signed, including the exemption of Somali diplomatic passport holders from visa requirements. The countries also emphasized judicial and security collaboration.
Additionally, trade between Somalia and Egypt has seen significant growth, with volumes reaching $59 million in the first half of 2024, nearly doubling from the same period in 2023. This deepened partnership builds on a defense agreement signed during Mohamud’s visit to Cairo last year, aimed at enhancing bilateral security coordination.