Egyptian Defense Minister Abdul Majeed Saqr met Somali counterpart Ahmed Moalim Fiqi on Monday to discuss deepening military cooperation. The ministers explored ways to enhance coordination between their armed forces and support security and stability across the African continent, the Egyptian military said.
Saqr highlighted Egypt’s longstanding ties with Somalia and pledged to expand collaboration across multiple military fields, according to an official statement. Fiqi praised Egypt’s “sincere efforts to promote security and peace” for all African nations, noting shared views on key regional challenges.
The Somali National News Agency reported the discussion focused on strengthening training, equipment sharing, and logistical coordination to reinforce regional security and stability. Plans to develop military capabilities and joint operations were reviewed, aiming to support Somalia and neighbouring countries against persistent threats, the agency added.
Saqr confirmed Egypt’s readiness to deepen cooperation, noting Egyptian forces in the African Union Support to Somalia Mission (AUSSOM) would deploy soon. AUSSOM replaced the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), which ended its mandate in 2024, operating since January 2025 with UN backing.
The mission targets the al-Qaeda-linked group al-Shabab, responsible for repeated attacks on Somali forces and civilians since 2007, threatening regional peace and security. Egypt and Somalia signed a military cooperation protocol in August 2024, securing Cairo’s participation in AUSSOM from 2025 through 2029.