In a significant diplomatic meeting held in El Alamein, Egypt, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi discussed deepening military and political cooperation to address escalating security threats in the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea region.
Egypt and Somalia Deepen Strategic Ties
Somali President and Egyptian President held a closed-door bilateral session followed by expanded talks between their delegations.
According to Egyptian presidential spokesperson Mohamed El-Shennawy, the discussions focused on enhancing bilateral relations and addressing regional and continental developments.
This meeting builds on the joint political declaration signed in January 2025, which elevated Egypt-Somalia relations to the level of a comprehensive strategic partnership.
Military Cooperation and Peacekeeping in Somalia
President El-Sisi confirmed Egypt’s commitment to supporting Somalia’s stability through military and police contributions to the African Union’s new peacekeeping mission, the AU Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) successor, known as AUSOM.
Launched in January 2025, AUSOM was approved by the UN Security Council to support Somalia’s fight against the al-Shabaab insurgency. Egypt’s participation, welcomed by the Somali government and the African Union Peace and Security Council, reflects Cairo’s growing role in regional peacekeeping.
El-Sisi emphasized the need for international partners to provide “adequate, sustainable, and predictable funding” to ensure the mission’s success.
Somali President and Egyptian President Joint Press Conference Highlights
During a joint press conference, President El-Sisi stated:
“We agreed to intensify cooperation to ensure the stability of this vital region, which directly impacts regional and international security.”
He also reaffirmed Egypt’s commitment to the military cooperation protocol signed with Somalia in August 2024, which includes support for national institutions and counterterrorism efforts.
Somali President Talks About His Visit to Egypt
Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud Posted on his X Official Account:
Today in Al Alamein, Egypt, I held bilateral talks with H.E. President @AlsisiOfficial.
We explored various avenues to strengthen Somalia-Egypt ties across key strategic areas.
I am confident that our engagement will usher in a new era of robust cooperation and shared progress.
Ongoing Conflict with al-Shabaab
Somali President and Egyptian President meeting comes amid renewed clashes between Somali forces and al-Shabaab militants.
On Monday, the group launched a large-scale attack on the strategic town of Mokokori, located about 300 km northeast of Mogadishu.
Local militia leader Abdullahi Aden reported that the militants used car bombs and hundreds of fighters to seize the town after Somali forces and allied militias withdrew.
Although Somalia’s official news agency claimed the attack was repelled, intermittent fighting reportedly continues.
Mokokori is a key gateway to several major towns in the Hiran region and has been targeted by al-Shabaab in the past, including in 2016.
Despite the presence of over 10,000 AU peacekeepers under AUSOM, al-Shabaab remains a persistent threat.
Regional and International Implications
The Egypt-Somalia partnership signals a broader effort to stabilize the Horn of Africa through coordinated military and diplomatic action. Both nations have called on the international community to step up support for Somalia’s security and development.
As Somalia battles one of Africa’s longest-running insurgencies, Cairo’s involvement could mark a turning point in regional counterterrorism efforts.
