By Horn Africa News
MOGADISHU — A high-level Egyptian military delegation arrived in the Somali capital on Saturday to begin advance preparations for the deployment of Egyptian troops to Somalia, a move seen as part of Cairo’s broader effort to expand its role in stabilizing the volatile Horn of Africa.
The 16-member delegation, led by Major General Islam Radwan, touched down at Aden Adde International Airport, where they were received by senior officials from the African Union Support Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) and the Somali National Army (SNA).
The group included senior officers specializing in logistics, training, and counter-terrorism operations.
Following their arrival, the Egyptian officers held closed-door meetings with Somali military leaders and African Union commanders. According to officials, the talks centered on joint operational planning, capacity building for Somali forces, military training programs, equipment support, and strategies to combat Al-Shabaab insurgents, who continue to pose the greatest threat to Somalia’s security.
As part of their mission, the delegation is scheduled to conduct field visits to key military bases, logistical hubs, and forward-operating positions where Egyptian forces are expected to be stationed in the coming months. These visits will help determine the infrastructure needs, troop requirements, and areas where Egypt’s military support can be most effective.
Diplomatic sources in Mogadishu told reporters that Egypt’s decision to deploy forces is driven by its desire to strengthen regional partnerships, project influence in the Red Sea and Horn of Africa, and demonstrate solidarity with Somalia’s fragile government. The move also comes amid intensifying international competition in the region, with countries such as Turkey, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Ethiopia all expanding their footprint in Somalia.
For Somalia, the arrival of Egyptian troops is expected to boost security operations as the African Union gradually hands over security responsibilities to Somali forces under a transition plan. Analysts say Egypt’s involvement could provide Somalia with additional military expertise, especially in areas such as counter-insurgency and border security.
“This is not just about troop deployment,” one Somali security analyst noted. “It’s also about Egypt signaling its long-term commitment to Somalia’s stability and asserting itself as a key security partner in the Horn of Africa.”
Egypt has historically maintained strong diplomatic ties with Somalia, but its direct military role has been limited. The upcoming deployment will mark the first significant presence of Egyptian troops in Somalia in recent decades, signaling what many view as a new phase of international military cooperation to shore up security in the war-torn nation.
The Somali government has yet to disclose the exact size or timeline of the Egyptian deployment, but officials confirmed that detailed plans are under discussion and will be announced once final agreements are reached.
If successful, Egypt’s deployment will add to the multinational forces already on the ground, reinforcing ongoing efforts to weaken Al-Shabaab and provide breathing space for Somalia’s institutions to consolidate power.
