CAIRO — Egypt has reaffirmed its support for the African Union’s peace and security mission in Somalia and called for sustained international backing for efforts aimed at maintaining stability and strengthening the country’s security institutions.
In a statement issued Tuesday, Egypt’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said continued international support remains essential to Somalia’s peacekeeping, stabilization and counterterrorism efforts.
Cairo’s position comes as Somalia continues its transition toward greater national responsibility for security, with the Somali government working to strengthen its armed forces, police and other state security institutions.
The African Union mission remains an important component of international efforts to support Somalia’s security sector. Its personnel have assisted Somali forces in securing strategic locations, protecting key government institutions and supporting operations against militant groups, particularly al-Shabaab.
Egypt has consistently expressed support for Somalia’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and political stability. Cairo has also emphasized the importance of strengthening cooperation between Somalia and its regional and international partners in confronting terrorism and other security threats.
The Egyptian government said sustained international engagement is necessary to prevent security gains from being reversed and to help Somalia build the capacity required to independently manage its security responsibilities.
Egypt’s call for continued support also comes amid broader discussions about the future of international and African security operations in Somalia, including questions over funding, troop deployments and the gradual transfer of security responsibilities to Somali forces.
Somalia has been working with the African Union, the United Nations and other international partners to strengthen its security institutions and reduce its dependence on foreign peacekeeping forces. The transition is considered a key element of the country’s long-term stabilization strategy.
The security situation remains challenging, however, as al-Shabaab continues to pose a significant threat through attacks and insurgent activities in several parts of the country.
Egypt has also sought to deepen its bilateral relations with Somalia in recent years, including cooperation in political, security and economic areas. Egyptian officials have repeatedly stressed the importance of respecting Somalia’s sovereignty and supporting its efforts to strengthen state institutions.
The latest statement reflects Cairo’s broader position that international support remains important during Somalia’s security transition. Egypt is calling on the international community to maintain its commitment to Somalia while the country works toward greater national ownership of its security and long-term peace.
The Egyptian Foreign Ministry did not indicate whether Cairo was proposing specific additional resources or measures, but its statement emphasized the need for continued international backing for Somalia’s peacekeeping and stabilization efforts.
