Egypt Calls for UN Office in Somalia to Remain Open Amid U.S. Funding Cut
Egypt has urged the United Nations to keep its Somalia support office operational, warning that continued international backing remains vital to the country’s security, stability, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.
CAIRO, Egypt (Somali Report) — Egypt has called for the continued operation of the United Nations office supporting Somalia, saying its presence and work remain important to the country’s security, stability, sovereignty and territorial integrity, according to the Egyptian Foreign Ministry.
The call came during a telephone conversation between Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty and his Somali counterpart, Abdisalam Abdi Ali, in which the two officials discussed bilateral relations and developments in Somalia and the wider Horn of Africa.
During the conversation, Abdelatty stressed the importance of maintaining the United Nations’ support activities in Somalia and ensuring that the organisation can continue carrying out its mandate. He also called for continued international support and funding for the UN’s work, saying such assistance was important to strengthening security and stability in Somalia.
Egypt’s position comes as Somalia continues to strengthen its national institutions and gradually assume greater responsibility for security and other state functions. The UN and international partners have played a significant role in supporting Somalia’s government, humanitarian efforts and institution-building over the past years.
Cairo also reiterated its firm support for Somalia’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity. The Egyptian government said it rejects unilateral measures that could undermine Somalia’s territorial unity or compromise its sovereignty, reflecting Cairo’s continued emphasis on the unity of the Somali state.
Egypt has increasingly strengthened its political and security ties with Somalia, with both countries frequently stressing the importance of regional stability and cooperation in the Horn of Africa. Their relationship has also included discussions on security, defence, diplomacy and efforts to strengthen Somalia’s state institutions.
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Abdelatty said Egypt would continue supporting Somalia, particularly initiatives aimed at building the capacity of government institutions and strengthening their ability to carry out their responsibilities. Cairo has repeatedly said that stronger Somali institutions are essential to achieving lasting stability and enabling the country to manage its security challenges.
The Egyptian minister also stressed the importance of international cooperation in supporting Somalia at a time when the country is facing security, political and humanitarian challenges. Continued international engagement, Cairo said, would help Somalia advance its efforts to consolidate stability and strengthen its institutions.
Somalia welcomed Egypt’s continued backing, with Foreign Minister Abdisalam Abdi Ali highlighting the importance of Cairo’s position in supporting Somalia’s sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity.
The two ministers also discussed developments across the Horn of Africa, a region facing a range of security and political challenges. Somalia has sought closer cooperation with regional and international partners as it works to strengthen its institutions and take greater responsibility for national security.
Egypt’s call for the continued UN presence also underscores Cairo’s view that international support remains important to Somalia’s transition. The Egyptian government said sustained assistance and cooperation would help reinforce security, stability and the unity of the Somali state.
The discussions between Abdelatty and Abdi Ali further highlighted the close political relationship between Cairo and Mogadishu, with Egypt reaffirming that it will continue to stand alongside Somalia in efforts to strengthen its institutions, protect its sovereignty and promote stability in the Horn of Africa.
About the Author
Ahmed Omar is a senior journalist for Somali Report, based in Mogadishu. He has two decades of experience reporting on Somalia for international and local media. He covers politics, security, governance, business, trade, economic developments and regional affairs.