By Qahira ( LM) Somalia and Egypt announced on Sunday a collaborative effort to combat the al-Shabaab terrorist group, marking a significant step in their bilateral relations. The Somali Defense Ministry confirmed Egypt’s commitment to support the Somali government in its fight against terrorism.
This agreement was reached during final technical discussions concerning the participation of African nations in a new African Union peacekeeping mission in Somalia, known as the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), which commenced its five-year mission in January.
In a statement, the Defense Ministry emphasized the importance of Egypt’s role, stating, “The FGS (Federal Government of Somalia) is cognizant of the role Egypt can partake in eliminating the Khawaarij,” referring to the al-Shabaab group, which is affiliated with al-Qaeda.
This development follows Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s recent official visit to Egypt, where he met with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi. The two leaders agreed to elevate their relationship to a strategic partnership, focusing on enhancing cooperation in various sectors, including education, justice, politics, security, communications, and the economy.
During their discussions, Mohamud and El-Sisi also agreed to accelerate collaboration between the judicial and security institutions of both countries. They witnessed the signing of an agreement that exempts holders of Somali diplomatic passports from visa requirements, aimed at fostering diplomatic ties.
In August, during Mohamud’s two-day visit to Cairo, Somalia and Egypt had already signed a defense pact to strengthen their security cooperation.
Economic ties between the two nations are also on the rise, with trade volume reaching $59 million in the first half of 2024, a significant increase from $31 million during the same period in 2023, according to Egypt’s statistics authority.
This burgeoning partnership underscores a mutual commitment to stability and security in the Horn of Africa, as both nations work together to address the challenges posed by terrorism and enhance their diplomatic and economic relations.
