By Horn Africa News
MOGADISHU – Somalia’s State Minister for Defense, accompanied by senior military commanders, held high-level talks on Sunday with Colonel Ahmed Fathi Abdelsatar Al-Husseini, the Egyptian Embassy’s Defense Attaché in Mogadishu, to strengthen military cooperation between the two countries.
The meeting, held at the Ministry of Defense headquarters, focused on enhancing defense ties in key areas such as training, capacity building, intelligence sharing, and joint operational preparedness. Officials also discussed accelerating the deployment of Egyptian troops who are set to participate in the upcoming African Union Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM).
AUSSOM is expected to formally take over from the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), which began its phased withdrawal in late 2023.
Somali defense leaders welcomed Egypt’s planned contribution, stressing that Cairo’s involvement would bring both strategic depth and regional balance to the mission. They emphasized the urgency of ensuring that Somali forces receive adequate training and resources to gradually assume full responsibility for the country’s security once ATMIS completes its exit.
Colonel Al-Husseini reaffirmed Egypt’s commitment to Somalia’s sovereignty and stability, pledging Cairo’s readiness to expand bilateral defense cooperation and to support Somali forces in counterterrorism operations. He underscored Egypt’s determination to stand alongside Somalia in confronting the Al-Shabaab insurgency, which remains the country’s biggest threat to peace and regional stability.
The talks come at a critical moment, as Somalia prepares for a historic security transition in which its national forces are expected to lead in safeguarding the country for the first time in more than a decade. Officials highlighted that the success of this transition hinges on continued international assistance, regional security partnerships, and the resilience of Somali state institutions.
Defense analysts note that Egypt’s deepening engagement in Somalia reflects the two nations’ shared security priorities, including the fight against terrorism and the protection of vital maritime trade routes in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. The move also signals Mogadishu’s broader strategy to diversify its international security partnerships beyond traditional allies.
The renewed cooperation is expected to open doors for joint military training, improved logistical support, and more coordinated regional responses to security challenges. Analysts say these steps will be crucial as Somalia edges closer to reclaiming full sovereignty over its security responsibilities.
