Feature: Egypt Deepens Ties With Somalia Through Military Support Amid Regional Shifts

MOGADISHU, Somalia — As Somalia continues its long and difficult journey toward peace and stability, one of North Africa’s most influential countries is stepping in to lend critical support — both diplomatically and militarily.

Egypt, a historic player in African and Arab affairs, has announced plans to deploy troops to Somalia under the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), signaling a new phase of engagement with the Horn of Africa nation.

The deployment, set to begin in the coming weeks, is being framed by Cairo as part of its broader strategy to combat terrorism, support state-building, and enhance regional security. But it also underscores deepening political and military ties between Egypt and Somalia at a time when the Horn of Africa remains a battleground for influence between regional and global powers.

“Egypt remains firmly committed to supporting Somalia’s pursuit of a stable and prosperous future,” the Egyptian Foreign Ministry said in a statement Saturday, emphasizing its active role in the AU-led stabilization mission.

A Partnership Reforged

The renewed cooperation between Mogadishu and Cairo is not accidental. In January 2025, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud made an official visit to Cairo, where both nations elevated their relationship to the level of a “Strategic Partnership.” The high-level meetings focused on security, economic collaboration, and cultural exchange — but it was the military dimension that now appears to be taking center stage.

In August 2024, the two governments signed a military cooperation protocol. A month later, Egypt sent military aid to support the Somali National Army — a move welcomed by officials in Mogadishu, who have long sought international assistance to build a capable and self-sufficient military force.

Boots on the Ground

Earlier this month, a 16-member Egyptian military delegation, led by Maj. Gen. Islam Radwan, visited Somalia to scout deployment locations in Lower Shabelle and Middle Shabelle — regions where al-Shabab militants remain active despite years of international and Somali counter-insurgency efforts.

According to Somali officials, the incoming Egyptian troops will be stationed in those regions and operate under the AUSSOM mandate, which aims to help Somalia transition to full responsibility for its own security by 2026.

On Tuesday, President Mohamud confirmed that the first Egyptian contingent is expected to arrive in the coming weeks, calling the deployment a “positive step” in Somalia’s stabilization process.

Strategic Implications

Egypt’s move comes at a time when several foreign players — including Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, and Ethiopia — are competing for influence in Somalia, a country of strategic importance due to its location along the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.

For Egypt, increased involvement in Somalia could serve multiple purposes: extending its influence in East Africa, countering rival regional actors, and reinforcing its status as a key security partner on the continent.

Experts say that while Egypt’s military footprint may initially be limited, its presence under the AU umbrella adds legitimacy to the broader international stabilization effort — and could shift the dynamics of regional alliances.

“Somalia has been seeking reliable partners who can help build long-term capacity, not just provide short-term interventions,” said a regional analyst based in Nairobi. “Egypt’s involvement — if sustained — could be a game-changer.”

Somalia’s Uphill Battle

Despite recent military gains against al-Shabab, Somalia remains fragile. The federal government continues to face challenges ranging from inter-clan tensions and weak institutions to a persistent insurgency that has adapted to years of counterterrorism operations.

The government’s vision is to fully take over national security responsibilities by the end of 2026, when AUSSOM’s mandate is expected to conclude. But that vision depends on the success of efforts like Egypt’s — not only in deploying troops, but in supporting Somalia’s longer-term reconstruction, governance, and economic revival.

For now, many Somalis are watching the unfolding partnership with cautious optimism.

“If Egypt stands by us in rebuilding our army and our country, it will be remembered,” said Abdullahi Yusuf, a resident of Mogadishu. “We’ve had many promises before. We hope this time it’s real.”

GAROWE ONLINE