MOGADISHU – Egypt is set to deploy its first military contingent to Somalia to join the ongoing African Union Support Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), marking a significant step in regional efforts to stabilize the Horn of Africa nation, AUSSOM said in a statement.
The deployment aims to support Somali security forces as they take the lead in securing the country amid a broader transition process led by the Federal Government of Somalia.
On September 5, the African Union’s Special Representative and Head of AUSSOM, Ambassador El Hadji Ibrahima Diene, received an Egyptian assessment delegation led by Major General Islam Aly Ibrahim Radwan in Mogadishu.
The visit concluded a six-day fact-finding mission to prepare for Egypt’s contribution to AUSSOM operations, which aimed at defeating Al-Shabaab and restoring peace and stability.
Ambassador Diene expressed appreciation to the Egyptian team, noting the AU’s commitment to facilitating the deployment of Egyptian troops.
“AUSSOM remains fully committed to supporting Somalia’s transition, peace, and security efforts,” he said.
The forthcoming Egyptian deployment is expected to bolster ongoing AU-led operations aimed at countering insurgent threats and supporting Somalia’s gradual assumption of security responsibilities from international partners.
AUSSOM was established earlier this year to succeed the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), as part of a renewed AU-Somalia partnership focused on long-term peacebuilding and stability.
