Egypt, Somalia Strengthen Military Ties to Support African Stability

By: Chioma Madonna Ndukwu

Egypt, Somalia Strengthen Military Ties to Support African Stability

Egypt and Somalia have agreed to deepen military cooperation as part of efforts to boost security and stability across Africa.

Egyptian Defence Minister Abdul Majeed Saqr met with his Somali counterpart, Ahmed Moalim Fiqi, in Cairo on Monday, where both ministers discussed enhancing collaboration between their armed forces.

According to a statement from the Egyptian military, the talks focused on training, equipment, logistics and wider coordination aimed at strengthening regional security. Saqr reaffirmed Egypt’s “deep ties with Somalia” and its readiness to expand cooperation in several military fields.

The Somali defence minister praised Egypt’s “sincere efforts to promote peace and security for African peoples,” adding that both nations share similar positions on key regional issues.

The Somali National News Agency (SONNA) reported that the meeting also covered developing Somalia’s military capabilities and advancing joint peace and stability initiatives in the Horn of Africa.

Egypt confirmed its participation in the African Union Support to Somalia Mission (AUSSOM), which replaced the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) in 2025. Egyptian forces are expected to deploy under the mission soon.

AUSSOM, approved by the UN Security Council for an initial 12 months, is tasked with countering al-Shabab, the al-Qaeda-linked group that has carried out attacks against Somali government forces and civilians since 2007.

Egypt and Somalia had signed a military cooperation protocol in August 2024, outlining Cairo’s involvement in AUSSOM from 2025 to 2029.

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Chioma Ndukwu

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