Egypt will participate in a new African Union (AU) peacekeeping mission in Somalia, deepening ties amid regional tensions.
Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty announced the decision during a Cairo press conference with Somali counterpart Ahmed Moalim Fiqi.
The African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) will replace the current AU Transition Mission on December 31, focusing on combating Al-Shabaab insurgents.
Somalia, which excluded Ethiopian troops from the mission, welcomed Egypt’s involvement.
Abdelatty emphasized support for Somalia’s sovereignty and unity, rejecting any threats to its territorial integrity.
This move follows Egypt’s recent military cooperation deal with Somalia and a regional summit aligning Egypt, Somalia, and Eritrea against Ethiopia.
Longstanding tensions between Cairo and Addis Ababa, especially over Ethiopia’s Grand Renaissance Dam, underscore Egypt’s strategic actions in the region.
Turkey recently brokered a deal to resolve disputes between Somalia and Ethiopia, a development praised internationally.
Egypt’s participation signals a commitment to regional stability and stronger partnerships.
