MOGADISHU, Somalia — The European Union and Egypt on Thursday called for increased international support for Somalia, stressing the need for global cooperation and the participation of new donors in the country’s stabilization efforts.
In a joint statement, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the Federal Government of Somalia’s state-building, security, and military reform programs.
They also voiced concern over the persistent threat posed by the Al-Shabaab militant group and its destabilizing impact on the Horn of Africa.
The EU welcomed Egypt’s plan to join the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), describing it as a crucial step toward promoting peace and regional security.
Egypt announced its participation in December 2024, four months after signing a military cooperation protocol with Somalia.
At the time, Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty said the deployment followed “a request from the Somali government and the approval of the African Union Peace and Security Council.” Egyptian troops are expected to arrive in Somalia in the coming weeks, despite AUSSOM facing persistent funding shortages.
The EU and Egypt underlined that strategic cooperation is vital to advancing social services, reconstruction, and economic infrastructure in Somalia. They emphasized that sustained international support remains key to consolidating peace and development gains.
The conference concluded with an agreement to strengthen EU-Egypt coordination in Somalia and to encourage wider international participation aimed at ensuring long-term stability and prosperity in the region.
