Egypt is taking concrete steps toward officially joining the AU peacekeeping mission in Somalia, following the completion of its first training course for units set to participate.
The move comes roughly a month after Cairo called for sustainable funding to ensure the mission’s long‑term success — a request welcomed by Mogadishu as a critical boost for regional stability.
Strategic Importance of Egypt’s Role in Somalia
Somali officials view Egypt’s involvement as vital to strengthening the country’s security and stability.
According to military strategist Maj. Gen. Samir Farag, the Egyptian Armed Forces have the expertise and capabilities to enhance the Somali National Army’s readiness to combat the militant group al‑Shabaab and reinforce peace in a region of direct relevance to Egypt’s national security.
From AU Transition Mission to AU Support Mission: A New Chapter
Replacing the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), which ended in 2024, the AU Support Mission in Somalia (AUSOM) officially began operations in January 2025, following a UN Security Council mandate in December 2024.
The mission’s primary goal is to help Somalia counter al‑Shabaab’s insurgency, which has persisted for 15 years.
On Tuesday, Somalia’s Ministry of Defense announced the successful conclusion of the first training course for Egyptian military units preparing to join AUSOM, underscoring Cairo’s commitment to the mission’s objectives.
Training Focus and Operational Preparedness
Although Egypt’s military has not disclosed specific details, Somali media reported that the Cairo International Center for Conflict Resolution, Peacekeeping, and Peacebuilding oversaw the training.
The program emphasized peacekeeping skills, international cooperation, and adaptability to Somalia’s challenging operational environment.
Diplomatic and Military Agreements Underpinning Cooperation
Egypt’s decision to contribute troops followed a request from the Somali government and was endorsed by the AU Peace and Security Council.
In August 2024, Cairo and Mogadishu signed a military cooperation protocol, agreeing to Egyptian participation in peacekeeping efforts from 2025 to 2029.
Egypt also delivered military equipment to Somalia in September 2024.
High‑Level Political Support and Funding Concerns
The AU Peacekeeping Mission deployment was a key topic during a recent meeting between Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el‑Sisi and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud in El Alamein, northern Egypt.
Both leaders stressed the need for adequate, sustainable, and predictable funding to ensure the mission can fulfill its mandate effectively.
African Union and UN Coordination
The AU Peace and Security Council has called for the African Union Commission, in coordination with the United Nations, to finalize the deployment of Egyptian forces while repatriating Burundian troops — whose withdrawal was delayed to December 2025.
AU officials estimate that $190 million will be required in 2025 to sustain AUSOM operations.
Egypt’s Broader Strategic Objective
Maj. Gen. Farag emphasized that Egypt’s engagement in Somalia is consistent with its historic commitment to African stability and its maritime security interests, particularly in safeguarding the strategic Bab el‑Mandeb Strait, a key global shipping route.
