MOGADISHU, Somalia – The Federal Government of Somalia (FGS) announced on Monday that it has concluded technical discussions with the Arab Republic of Egypt regarding its participation in the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), also referred to as AUSSOM.
“The Federal Government of Somalia today finalized technical discussions with the Arab Republic of Egypt on their participation in AUSSOM,” a senior defense official told Arlaadi Media Network.
Egypt had earlier requested to join the mission through the African Union, which approved the proposal, according to diplomatic sources.
In a statement, the Somali official emphasized Egypt’s commitment to supporting Somalia’s efforts against terrorism. “The Arab Republic of Egypt has committed to supporting the FGS in the fight against terrorism. The FGS is cognizant of the role Egypt can partake in eliminating the Khawaarij and looks forward to their contribution alongside other Troop Partner Nations,” he said.
The announcement comes as Somalia continues to intensify its campaign against the Khawaarij, a term it uses for Al-Shabaab militants. The addition of Egyptian forces to the mission is expected to bolster efforts to stabilize the country and support ongoing operations led by Somali security forces and other international partners.
Meanwhile, Ethiopia is also anticipated to play an enhanced role in AUSSOM following recent diplomatic breakthroughs between the two countries. The de-escalation of tensions between Somalia and Ethiopia has paved the way for renewed cooperation, particularly in counterterrorism and regional security.
The AUSSOM mission, a reconfiguration of the previous African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) and African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), is part of the broader international effort to support Somalia’s security transition and eliminate threats posed by extremist groups.
