MOGADISHU — The Commander of the Somali National Army (SNA), Brigadier General Ibrahim Mohamed Mohamud, held talks on Thursday with Egypt’s Defence Attaché at the Egyptian Embassy in Somalia, Brigadier General Ahmed Fathi Abdisitar, focusing on strengthening military cooperation between the two countries, officials said.
According to a statement from the Somali military, the discussions centered on expanding training programs for Somali forces, enhancing coordination in ongoing security operations under the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), and deepening broader defence relations between Mogadishu and Cairo.
General Mohamud underscored the importance of what he described as “historic ties” between Somalia and Egypt, stressing the need to further strengthen institutional military cooperation amid Somalia’s continuing security challenges, particularly in its fight against militant groups.
The Egyptian defence attaché reaffirmed Cairo’s commitment to supporting Somalia’s security sector, including capacity-building initiatives aimed at improving the operational readiness of the Somali National Army. He said Egypt remained committed to contributing to regional stability through continued engagement with Somali security institutions.
Egypt has in recent years expanded its diplomatic and security engagement in the Horn of Africa, including support for training, technical assistance, and defence cooperation agreements with Somalia as part of broader efforts to stabilize the region.
The Somali army chief expressed appreciation for Egypt’s support, particularly in the areas of military training, institutional development, and efforts to strengthen Somalia’s defence capabilities, according to the statement.
