MOGADISHU, Somalia — The first Egyptian troops set to join African Union peace mission in Somalia are preparing deployment, officials said.
Egypt is expected to send about 1,410 soldiers to Somalia, along with vehicles and equipment, under the African Union mission framework.
Egyptian forces are reportedly trained for security operations and will operate under AUSSOM across multiple regions in Somalia.
Cairo previously displayed armored vehicles and military equipment months ago, although Egyptian authorities did not publicly confirm their intended deployment mission.
The deployment of troops and equipment is expected to begin under a coordinated operational plan prepared jointly by both Egypt and Somalia.
Egyptian military officials have recently visited several areas in Somalia to assess and determine suitable deployment zones for forces.
The African Union approved Egypt’s participation in late 2024 following talks with Somali authorities, formalized through a bilateral security agreement.
Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud met Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, discussing military cooperation, training, and regional Red Sea security concerns.
Egypt’s participation in Somalia reflects its expanding security role in the country and broader strategic interests across the Red Sea region.