Mogadishu,Somalia-A 16-member delegation from the Egyptian Intelligence and Military is currently in Mogadishu on a fact-finding mission, in preparation for the deployment of an Egyptian military unit to join the African Union Stabilization Support Operation in Somalia (AUSSOM).
The delegation, led by Major General Islam Radwan, was warmly received by officers from both AUSSOM and the Somali National Army (SNA). Upon arrival, the team held high-level meetings with AUSSOM leadership, including the Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (SRCC) and Head of Mission, Ambassador El Hadji Ibrahima Diene.
During their visit to AUSSOM command headquarters, the Egyptian delegation received a comprehensive briefing on the current security landscape in Somalia. The mission also includes visits to key logistical and operational facilities in and around Mogadishu to assess conditions for the planned deployment.
While the exact location of the future Egyptian deployment remains unconfirmed, sources indicate that Egyptian forces are likely to be stationed in the Gedo region, a strategic area bordering Ethiopia.
The Egyptian move has drawn strong concern from the Ethiopian government, which views the potential deployment as a regional security risk. In a recent statement, Ethiopia’s ambassador to Somalia warned that Ethiopia “will defend itself if attacked by Egypt,” underscoring the escalating tensions between the two regional powers.
Despite Ethiopia’s diplomatic efforts to block Egypt’s participation in Somalia’s peacekeeping efforts, the Somali Federal Government has successfully coordinated with international partners to facilitate the Egyptian troop deployment under the AUSSOM mandate. Ethiopia’s objections have not swayed the broader international community, which continues to support a diversified peacekeeping presence in Somalia.
The Egyptian deployment is expected to bolster AUSSOM’s capabilities as Somalia continues its transition toward full security sovereignty, amid ongoing threats from Al-Shabaab insurgents and the fragile political landscape.
Telegaraf News
