Egyptian military personnel and equipment have arrived in Mogadishu, marking the start of a significant deployment expected to bring up to 10,000 Egyptian soldiers to Somalia, Somali media reported.
This move follows a recent defense agreement between Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi.
The deployment occurs amid escalating regional tensions, particularly concerning Ethiopia's Grand Renaissance Dam and a contentious agreement between Ethiopia and Somaliland.
This cooperation also aligns with the upcoming African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia, which will replace the current African Union Transition Mission in Somalia by January 2025. The arrival of Egyptian forces introduces new complexities to Somalia's security situation, potentially intensifying regional rivalries and shifting the balance of power in the area, the report noted.
The deployment highlights the deepening military ties between Egypt and Somalia and underscores the evolving nature of peacekeeping efforts in the region. With international support, Somalia continues its battle against insurgent groups like al-Shabaab*, aiming to stabilize the country.
* Terrorist organizations banned in Russia and many other countries.