The AU and Somali government have approved 2,500 Ethiopian troops for AUSSOM, with Egypt contributing about 1,091 personnel. The mission comprises nearly 12,000 troops and aims to enhance stability in Somalia until 2028, amidst mounting threats from Al-Shabaab and funding challenges. This mission is the first to feature Egyptian forces, signaling closer ties with Somalia.
The African Union (AU) and the Somali government have granted approval for the deployment of 2,500 Ethiopian troops as part of the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM). In addition, Egypt will contribute approximately 1,091 troops to this mission, as specified in a recent United Nations Security Council report. The overall personnel count for AUSSOM totals nearly 12,000, which does not include police officers and additional security forces.
The AUSSOM operation officially commenced in January, succeeding the African Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), and will continue through the end of 2028. Uganda will supply the highest number of troops at 4,500, while Djibouti and Kenya are set to send 1,520 and 1,410 personnel, respectively. The Somalia Operations Coordination Committee (SOCC) has finalized the troop composition for this mission.
Despite the backing from both the AU and UN, AUSSOM faces significant funding challenges. An August 2024 report indicated that fewer than 13,000 of the originally planned 20,000 troops for ATMIS remain operational in Somalia. Notably, AUSSOM marks the first inclusion of Egyptian military forces, signifying strengthened relations between Egypt and Somalia amidst a drawn-out standoff with Ethiopia over maritime access.
In addition to troop contributions, police forces from Egypt, Nigeria, and Sierra Leone are expected to be deployed in key areas such as Mogadishu, Jowhar, and Baidoa. Joint military operations between AUSSOM and the Somali national army have already commenced, as indicated by Somalia’s national security advisor.
Recent developments include a rise in Al-Shabaab attacks, particularly against the convoy of Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, prompting renewed military offensives, including airstrikes by both the US and Ethiopian armed forces. The April 2025 UN Security Council report highlights that despite heroic efforts by Somali security forces, Al-Shabaab continues to pose a major threat, exacerbated by internal political and societal conflicts.
The deployment of Ethiopian and Egyptian troops under AUSSOM marks a pivotal step in enhancing security in Somalia amidst ongoing threats from Al-Shabaab. While troop numbers are significant, funding remains a concern for the mission’s effectiveness. The joint military efforts and international support underscore the seriousness of addressing Somalia’s complex security challenges as AUSSOM seeks to stabilize the region through 2028.
Original Source: www.thereporterethiopia.com
