Monday September 1, 2025
Mogadishu (HOL) — A high-level military delegation from
Egypt arrived in Mogadishu on Sunday ahead of the planned deployment of an
Egyptian contingent to the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in
Somalia (AUSSOM).
The 16-member delegation, led by Maj. Gen. Islam Radwan, was
received by officers from AUSSOM and the Somali National Armed Forces (SNAF).
The officials later held meetings with AUSSOM leadership, including the Special
Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (SRCC) and
Head of Mission, Amb. El Hadji Ibrahima Diene, before attending a security
briefing at AUSSOM Force Headquarters.
The delegation also participated in a comprehensive security
briefing at the ATMIS headquarters in Mogadishu.
During their stay, the Egyptian officers are expected to
inspect key facilities related to the deployment and logistical arrangements
for Egyptian troops both in Mogadishu and in the field.
The deployment, recently approved by the African Union Peace
and Security Council (AUPSC), marks Egypt’s formal inclusion in AUSSOM
operations in Somalia.
The move comes as Somalia continues to confront the
persistent threat posed by al-Shabaab, the al-Qaeda-linked militant group
entrenched in rural strongholds despite ongoing military campaigns. Somali
forces, supported by regional and international partners, remain engaged in
operations to weaken the group and secure government-held areas.