Egypt troops to join African Union mission in Somalia

Egypt and Somalia have further deepened ties, continuing a trend that has accelerated since Somalia and Ethiopia’s dispute over the latter’s relations with Somali breakaway region Somaliland.

Egypt’s foreign minister said on December 23rd that his country will contribute troops to an African Union peacekeeping mission in Somalia, according to Reuters.

“Egypt has decided to participate in the mission based on the Somali government’s request and welcoming of the African Union’s Peace and Security Council,” said Badr Abdelatty during a Cairo press conference marking a visit by Somalia’s foreign minister.

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The African Union stabilisation and support mission, or AUSSOM, will replace an anti-terror mission ending in 2024.

Ethiopia’s dispute with Mogadishu is based on Addis Ababa’s plan to build a port in the breakaway region of Somaliland. The two countries said they would work together to solve the issue after talks mediated by Turkey.

“We spoke about the situation in Somalia and Egypt’s support of Somalia imposing its authority and sovereignty on all Somali national land and the refusal of any directives or unilateral moves that touch the unity, sovereignty and security of Somalia,” Abdelatty added.

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The spat with Ethiopia has drawn Somalia closer to Egypt, which both criticised the Somaliland deal and has had long-running tensions with Addis Ababa over the latter’s construction of a hydro dam on the river Nile.

Egypt has delivered weapons and ammunition including anti-aircraft guns and artillery to Somalia following the signing of a joint security pact.

Reuters