Defense Minister, Army Chief travel to Egypt as Cairo plans troop presence in Somalia

MOGADISHU, Somalia — Somalia’s Defense Minister, Ahmed Macalin Fiqi, accompanied by the country’s army chief, arrived in Egypt on Monday for a previously unannounced visit aimed at strengthening strategic ties and regional security cooperation, government sources said.

The visit comes as Egypt prepares to deploy troops to Somalia to support the underfunded African Union mission, AUSSOM, which faces logistical and financial challenges.

Egypt is currently engaged in a political dispute with Ethiopia over the Grand Renaissance Dam on the Nile, and analysts suggest the troop deployment may also be part of a broader strategy to counter Ethiopia’s regional influence while expanding Egypt’s military presence in the Horn of Africa.

“Focus of the trip is on strengthening military cooperation, training Somali forces, enhancing national defense capacity, and supporting regional stability,” a source said.

Officials close to the trip indicated Egyptian forces are expected to arrive in Somalia soon to assist with training and to participate in peacekeeping operations.

The visit is also seen as a follow-up to a defense and security agreement signed in August 2025 between Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi, which allows Egypt to deploy troops and establish military bases in Somalia.

Regional security analysts said Egypt’s move is likely to increase its strategic influence in the Horn of Africa and secure its interests in both security and water resources.

The Somali Defense Ministry said the visit could result in new agreements on military cooperation, force training, and participation in international peacekeeping missions.

The Egyptian deployment is expected to bolster Somalia’s capacity to address security challenges amid ongoing regional tensions and to support AUSSOM’s mission in the country.

GAROWE ONLINE