The AU and Somali government have approved the deployment of 2,500 Ethiopian troops to the AUSSOM mission, with Egypt also contributing 1,091 troops. The total force is nearing 12,000, facing financial challenges. AUSSOM aims to combat Al-Shabaab amidst increased violence, marking Egypt’s first military involvement in Somalia.
The African Union (AU) and Somali government have sanctioned the deployment of 2,500 Ethiopian troops within the framework of the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM). Additionally, Egypt plans to contribute approximately 1,100 troops to this peacekeeping initiative as highlighted in a recent UN Security Council report.
The overall personnel approved for AUSSOM stands at nearly 12,000, not including police and other security forces. Uganda is set to provide the largest contingent with 4,500 troops, while Djibouti and Kenya will deploy 1,520 and 1,410 peacekeepers, respectively. The Somalia Operations Coordination Committee (SOCC) confirmed the troop composition for AUSSOM, which commenced operations in January 2024, replacing the previous African Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS).
Despite support from the AU and UN, AUSSOM faces financial constraints. A report from August 2024 indicates that only a fraction of the anticipated troops remain operational, with less than 13,000 of the required 20,000 troops from the former ATMIS still present in Somalia. The mission is projected to last until the end of 2028.
This deployment marks the inaugural involvement of Egyptian military personnel in Somalia, as previous missions primarily included troops from Ethiopia, Kenya, Burundi, Djibouti, and Uganda. Egypt’s participation underscores a strengthening relationship with Somalia, particularly in light of tensions with Ethiopia regarding maritime access with Somaliland.
In addition to the AUSSOM troops, several hundred police personnel from Egypt, Nigeria, and Sierra Leone will also be stationed in key Somali cities such as Mogadishu, Jowhar, and Baidoa. Joint operations between AUSSOM and the Somali National Army are reportedly already underway, as stated by Somalia’s national security advisor.
These developments follow an alarming increase in attacks from Al-Shabaab, including a recent assault on the convoy of Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. Airstrikes by both the US and Ethiopian forces have been conducted against Al-Shabaab militants in response to this surge of violence. The April 2025 UN Security Council report highlights the persistent threat posed by Al-Shabaab, exacerbated by clan rivalries and political fragmentation within Somalia.
In conclusion, the deployment of Ethiopian and Egyptian troops under AUSSOM aims to stabilize Somalia amidst rising threats from Al-Shabaab. The mission, supported by various nations and international organizations, seeks to mitigate security challenges despite financial limitations. The ongoing collaboration between the AUSSOM and Somali forces signals a proactive approach to combatting terrorism and fostering national stability through joint military efforts.
Original Source: www.thereporterethiopia.com
