Egypt sends troops to join controversial African Union mission in Somalia

In December 2024, the U.N. Security Council authorized a new African Union force aimed at addressing the growing threat from the Islamist militant group al-Shabab in Somalia. This decision came as part of a broader strategy to replace the existing African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), whose mandate was set to expire at the end of December. The new mission, known as the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), plans to deploy troops starting in January 2025. The move to establish AUSSOM comes amidst Somalia's ongoing struggles with civil war and insurgency, as well as frequent climate-related disasters. The need for a revamped international military presence is underscored by the precarious security situation in the region, which has seen an escalation in violence from al-Shabab, a group linked to al-Qaida. The resolution to form AUSSOM was met with overwhelming support, receiving 14 votes in favor, with only one abstention from the United States, which expressed concerns about funding and the conditions required for such a mission. Egypt confirmed its commitment to contribute troops to the new force, as relations between Cairo and Mogadishu have strengthened, particularly in the context of ongoing tensions with Ethiopia over the recognition of Somaliland. This contribution underscores Egypt's growing influence and strategic interests in the Horn of Africa amidst a backdrop of regional instability. It also highlights the international community's recognition of the urgent need to stabilize Somalia and combat the threats posed by extremist groups. The Council's resolution outlines that troop allocations would be completed through bilateral agreements, with the repurposing of current military resources in the region. With approximately 11,000 troops already pledged, the establishment of this new force represents a concerted effort to counteract the destabilizing activities of al-Shabab in a country that has been rocked by conflict for decades. As Somalia continues to navigate its complex political and security landscape, the deployment of AUSSOM is seen as a critical step towards restoring peace and stability in the region.