NEW YORK, (HAN) – Egypt’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Badr Abdel Aati, participated in a high-level meeting held in New York focusing on the financing of the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM).
During the session, the Foreign Minister stressed the urgent need for sustainable and sufficient funding for the mission, noting that the issue is not solely financial but is directly linked to Somalia’s stability, the security of the Horn of Africa, and the safety of the Red Sea.
Dr. Abdel Aati highlighted that the recent decision by the United Nations Security Council to lift the long-standing arms embargo on Somalia has created an important opportunity for countries, including Egypt, to provide tangible support to the Somali National Army in its fight against Al-Shabaab militants. He also welcomed Somalia’s progress in debt relief efforts and its recent success in securing membership in the UN Security Council.
The Minister reaffirmed Egypt’s commitment to continue working closely with the Somali government, the African Union, the United Nations, and other international partners to strengthen stability in Somalia. He called for the effective use of the African Union Peace Fund and emphasized the importance of preparing well-trained national forces – including the army, police, and air forces – to play a central role in AUSSOM operations. He further noted that Egypt is ready to shoulder additional financial responsibilities to ensure the success of the mission.
Dr. Abdel Aati also urged Somali leaders to accelerate the completion of the new constitution, reach consensus on the electoral framework, and focus on building strong and inclusive state institutions that can guarantee a comprehensive political process.
Concluding his remarks, the Foreign Minister reiterated Egypt’s unwavering commitment to supporting Somalia, warning that without sustainable funding for AUSSOM and state-building efforts, the hard-won gains achieved so far risk being reversed.
