Somali and Egyptian Military Officials Discuss Enhanced Cooperation

MOGADISHU – The Commander of the Somali National Army, Major General Ibrahim Mohamed Mahmoud, met with the Egyptian Defense Attaché to Somalia, Major General Ahmed Fathi Abdelsattar, to advance bilateral military cooperation and prepare for the next phase of Somalia’s security transition. The talks at the SNA headquarters focused on joint training, support for the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), and deepening the defence partnership between Cairo and Mogadishu.

General Mahmoud underscored the need to strengthen the enduring relationship between the two countries, particularly in the defence sector. Major General Abdelsattar reiterated Egypt’s dedication to supporting Somalia, notably through initiatives aimed at improving security, maintaining stability, and increasing the operational effectiveness of the SNA. The Commander closed the meeting by thanking the Egyptian government for its ongoing assistance, particularly in military training, capacity building, and defence cooperation.

Deepening Defence Ties

The meeting is the latest in a series of high-level engagements that have turned security and defence cooperation into central pillars of the Somalia‑Egypt relationship. Foreign Minister Abdisalam Abdi Ali and Egypt’s Ambassador Mohamed Salah Hassan Keshtah have held talks on diplomatic, regional security and economic coordination, reflecting a partnership that has deepened considerably over the past two years.

The State Minister of Defence and the SNA Land Forces Commander have also met with Egypt’s Defence Attaché, Colonel Ahmed Fathi Al‑Husseini, to focus on military training, capacity building and Egypt’s upcoming troop deployment to AUSSOM. Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty has confirmed that the Egyptian contingent will be stationed in the Middle Shabelle region, one of the most volatile areas still grappling with al‑Shabaab, where they will work closely with the Somali National Army to strengthen local capacity and ensure civilian protection.

AUSSOM and the Security Transition

The deepening cooperation comes as Somalia prepares for the full transition from the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) to AUSSOM, which has a smaller, more targeted mandate focused on supporting Somali‑led security operations and consolidating government control in liberated areas.

Egyptian troops are expected to arrive in Somalia within weeks, marking Cairo’s most visible military engagement in the Horn of Africa in decades. A 16‑member Egyptian reconnaissance mission has already visited Mogadishu to assess strategic locations and finalise deployment plans, while the first training programme for Egyptian units set to join AUSSOM has been completed.

A Broader Strategic Alliance

The military dialogue is part of a wider strategic alliance that has grown steadily since the signing of a defence and security pact between President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El‑Sisi in August 2025.

President El‑Sisi has reaffirmed Egypt’s steadfast support for Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and the two leaders have discussed the deployment of Egyptian forces under AUSSOM. President Mohamud has described the defence agreement as “a testament to a future of common defence against international terrorism”.

Cairo’s new ambassador to Mogadishu, Mohamed Salah Hassan Qashta, has taken up his post as part of a broader push to reinvigorate joint projects and deepen engagement. Egypt has also contributed military weapons and equipment to Somalia, joining Ankara and Belgrade in supplying the Somali National Army with advanced arms to bolster its operational capacity.

General Mahmoud’s meeting with the Egyptian defence attaché underscores the growing military cooperation between Mogadishu and Cairo as Somalia enters a critical phase of its security transition. With Egyptian troops preparing to deploy under AUSSOM, joint training programmes under way, and a steady flow of military equipment, the two countries are building what both describe as a long‑term strategic partnership. For Mogadishu, Egypt’s backing provides both operational support and political reassurance as it works to consolidate national security and counter the persistent threat of al‑Shabaab.