Mogadishu – A 16-member Egyptian Armed Forces delegation, led by Major General Islam Radwan, arrived in Mogadishu on Sunday for a reconnaissance mission ahead of Egypt’s troop deployment under the African Union Support Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM).
This is Egypt’s first official combat role in Somalia. The delegation met with officers from AUSSOM, the Somali National Armed Forces, and the African Union Envoy and Head of Mission, El Hadji Ibrahima Diene.
At AUSSOM Force Headquarters in Mogadishu, the delegation received a detailed security briefing and is scheduled to tour deployment and logistics sites in the capital, as well as forward operational areas.
The visit follows the completion of specialised training for the Egyptian contingent, designed to prepare them for Somalia operations. Their deployment was recently approved by the African Union Peace and Security Council (AUPSC).
Established in 2024 to replace ATMIS, AUSSOM’s mandate is to support the Somali National Army against al-Shabaab, stabilise newly recovered areas, and gradually transfer security responsibilities to Somali forces.
Egypt’s participation is seen as politically and strategically important. Cairo brings one of Africa’s strongest militaries and has long expressed support for Somalia’s sovereignty and stability.
The Somali Ministry of Defence welcomed the delegation’s arrival, describing it as a milestone in bilateral security cooperation. “This step underscores Egypt’s strong commitment to supporting Somalia’s security and strengthening the Somali National Army through the new AUSSOM framework,” the Ministry said in a statement.
The deployment comes as Somalia continues its fight against al-Shabaab, which remains entrenched in rural areas despite ongoing offensives. Egypt’s involvement is expected