Egypt is preparing to deploy military personnel to Somalia under bilateral defence cooperation and the African Union mission, as Mogadishu and Cairo strengthen security ties.
MOGADISHU, Somalia (Somali Report) – Egypt is preparing to deploy military personnel to Somalia as the two countries expand defence cooperation, with reports indicating that preparations are under way for a potential Egyptian military presence in the country.
The planned deployment is expected to involve both bilateral military cooperation and Egypt’s contribution to the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM). However, the final details, including the number of personnel and their arrival date, have not been officially announced.
According to reports, Egyptian military officers, trainers and advisers are involved in preparations for the deployment. The reports identify the Ceelcade area in Middle Shabelle, north of Mogadishu, as a possible location for Egyptian forces. The precise site and the status of preparations could not be independently verified.
Egyptian military news outlet Defense Arabic also reported on September 30 that Egyptian officers had arrived in the area and that work was progressing on a facility intended to support the mission and provide training for Somali forces.
The reported preparations follow several months of discussions between Somali and Egyptian military officials. On September 15, an Egyptian delegation held talks with Somali military representatives. Five days later, Defence Minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi met another Egyptian delegation accompanied by Egypt’s ambassador to Somalia, Mohamed Salah Keshtah. The discussions focused on military training, strengthening the capabilities of Somali forces and expanding defence cooperation.
The two countries signed a defence cooperation agreement in Cairo on August 14, 2024, establishing a framework for closer military ties. Egypt later announced its intention to contribute troops to AUSSOM, the African Union mission that replaced the previous operation in Somalia at the beginning of 2025.
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The African Union’s planning has included an allocation of 1,091 Egyptian personnel for the mission, although the final number expected to serve in Somalia and the deployment schedule remain unclear.
Somali officials have previously attributed delays to logistical arrangements, funding and other operational requirements. State Minister for Foreign Affairs Ali Mohamed Omar said in September that Egypt was prepared to deploy personnel, while outstanding arrangements still needed to be resolved.
The preparations are unfolding as Somalia seeks to strengthen its national security forces and maintain international support for operations against Al-Shabaab, the Al-Qaeda-linked armed group that continues to carry out attacks against government forces and civilians.
The deployment also comes amid heightened geopolitical competition across the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea. Egypt has sought closer relations with Somalia as tensions with Ethiopia have persisted over regional security and the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam.
Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud met Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi in Alamein on October 3. The following day, the leaders of Somalia, Egypt, Eritrea and Sudan held a four-way summit that addressed regional stability, sovereignty and security in the Red Sea area.
It remains uncertain when Egyptian troops will arrive, where the main contingent will be stationed and how responsibilities will be divided between the bilateral agreement and AUSSOM. Neither government had publicly confirmed the full deployment arrangements at the time of reporting.
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.
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