MOGADISHU, (HAN) — The planned deployment of Egyptian troops to Somalia under the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) has been delayed indefinitely due to funding constraints, according to African Union and Somali officials.
Sources within the AU said Egypt’s forces will not be deployed until financial backing is secured for their participation in the mission, which replaced the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) in 2022.
“The deployment of Egyptian troops cannot proceed without a clear funding mechanism,” an AU official said, noting that “current financial resources are insufficient to support an additional contingent.”
The European Union, which has been the primary financier of AU peace operations in Somalia for over a decade, has not yet committed funds to cover the costs of Egypt’s deployment. In a recent meeting, the EU, Somalia’s Federal Government, and the AUSSOM leadership agreed to extend the mandate of Burundian troops currently stationed in the Hirshabelle region until a sustainable funding plan is reached.
“The EU remains the main donor, but financial challenges persist,” said a Somali security source familiar with the talks. “Until additional funds are made available, no new troop deployments — including Egypt’s — can take place.”
AUSSOM, launched to support Somalia’s security transition and stabilization efforts, currently includes forces from Uganda, Burundi, Kenya, Ethiopia, and Djibouti. The mission’s mandate focuses on supporting Somali security forces in combating Al-Shabaab and consolidating government control in liberated areas.
However, international partners have increasingly expressed reluctance to continue large-scale funding for peace operations in Somalia, citing competing global crises and budget limitations.
Diplomats warn that the delay in deploying Egyptian troops could complicate security planning ahead of the scheduled drawdown of AUSSOM forces and the Somali government’s efforts to assume full security responsibility by 2026.
“Without guaranteed funding, the arrival of Egyptian forces is unlikely in the near term,” an AU official added. “The focus now is on sustaining existing contingents and avoiding operational gaps.”
