Egypt reiterates full support for Somalia’s security and stability

Ahram Online , Saturday 20 Sep 2025

Egypt affirmed on Saturday its ongoing support and full solidarity with the Somali people, as well as efforts to achieve security and stability in the country.

File photo: Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. AFP

In a statement, the Egyptian Foreign Ministry emphasised Cairo’s determination to continue strengthening its strategic relations with Mogadishu, highlighting the deep historical ties that unite both nations.

The foreign ministry praised the Somali state’s efforts to enforce the law and combat terrorism.

It highlighted Egypt's active contribution to the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), mandated with creating the conditions necessary for the state to assume the primary responsibility for achieving security and stability.

“Such efforts are aimed at fulfilling the aspirations of the Somali people for a stable future and at providing a conducive environment for the progress and development they seek,” the Egyptian foreign ministry said.

The statement highlighted the elevation of Egyptian-Somali relations to the level of a Strategic Partnership during the visit by the Somali president, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, to Cairo in January.

"Egypt emphasised that it is proceeding with concrete steps to strengthen strategic, economic, and cultural relations with Somalia, in order to maximize the benefits of the wide-ranging opportunities available and ensure mutual benefit."

On Tuesday, the Somali president said Mogadishu is awaiting the arrival of the first Egyptian troops, who will serve under the African Union’s (AU) mandate.

Established by a UN Security Council resolution in December 2023, AUSSOM has an initial 12-month mandate. It replaces the African Union Mission in Somalia (ATMIS). Its primary goal is to support Somalia in its fight against Al-Shabaab, the terrorist group that has waged an insurgency for more than 15 years in the country.

Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty had previously noted that Egypt’s participation in AUSSOM was at the request of the Somali government and with the approval of the AU Peace and Security Council.

In August 2024, Cairo and Mogadishu signed a military cooperation protocol. The following month, Egypt sent military aid to Somalia to support and strengthen the capabilities of the Somali army.