Information on the location of Egyptian forces heading to Somalia

Mogadishu (Caasimada Online) – The Egyptian government has begun the final preparations for sending military troops to Somalia, with Egyptian officials, trainers, and military advisors working on organizing the operation, according to media reports from The New Arab.

These troops are expected to arrive in Somalia through two channels: direct military cooperation between Mogadishu and Cairo and the African Union operation AUSSOM, with this step being part of the defense agreement signed by the two countries in 2024.

The report indicated that the Egyptian forces are planned to be stationed in the area of Ceelcade, located in the northern part of Mogadishu, specifically in the vicinity of the Cisiley airport, near the border of the Banaadir region and the Middle Shabelle.

However, the Egyptian government has not yet officially announced the number of troops it is sending to Somalia, the timing of their arrival, and how they will be divided between those under AUSSOM and those arriving under the agreement of the two countries. Additionally, there is no official report independently confirming the location where these troops are said to be stationed.

The military media outlet Defense Arabic also reported on September 30 that Egyptian officials had arrived in the area of Ceelcade, where it is said that a military base is being prepared for the Egyptian forces and the training of the Somali National Army.

This base is expected to become the main operational hub for Egyptian forces in Somalia, if the plan is implemented as stated.

Military cooperation between the two countries

This preparation comes at a time when Somalia and Egypt are significantly strengthening their defense relations, with several meetings taking place in Mogadishu in September between military officials from both countries.

On September 15, an Egyptian military delegation met with senior officials from the Somali National Army, discussing military training, enhancing their capabilities, and defense cooperation.

Five days later, Somalia's Minister of Defense Ahmed Macallin Fiqi hosted another delegation of Egyptian officials, accompanied by Egypt's ambassador to Somalia, Mohamed Salah Keshta.

This meeting focused on strengthening security and defense cooperation, with Fiqi praising Egypt's support for the rebuilding of Somalia's forces and the fight against Al-Shabaab.

The relationship between the two countries reached a new level in January 2025, when Somalia and Egypt elevated their relationship to a strategic partnership, expanding cooperation in politics, economics, and security.

On the other hand, Somalia's President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud met with his Egyptian counterpart Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi in Alamein on October 3, who reaffirmed Cairo's support for Somalia's sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity.

The following day, the leaders of Somalia, Egypt, Eritrea, and Sudan held a quadrilateral meeting in the same city, issuing a joint statement emphasizing the protection of the countries' sovereignty, security in the Red Sea, and preventing interference in internal affairs.

Challenges facing the operation

Although Egypt has been preparing its forces for nearly two years, the plan to send them to Somalia has been delayed several times due to financial, logistical, and operational issues related to the AUSSOM mission.

The Somali Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ali Mohamed Omar, stated in early September that Egypt is ready to send its troops, but there are still technical and financial matters that need to be resolved.

United Nations plans have previously indicated that 1,091 Egyptian soldiers could be part of the AUSSOM mission, although the final number of troops to be deployed has not yet been officially confirmed.

On the other hand, if the Egyptian forces arrive in Somalia, they will face a challenging security situation, as Al-Shabaab still has the capability to carry out attacks against government and African Union forces.

Somali political analyst Hassan Mohamed told The New Arab that the arrival of Egyptian forces could help strengthen Somalia's security institutions, but the success of the mission will depend on the coordination between both sides and the preservation of the country's sovereignty.

He also pointed out that the fight against Al-Shabaab cannot be won by military efforts alone, but there is a need to address the political, economic, and social issues affecting Somalia's stability.

The Struggle between Egypt and Ethiopia

The military presence that Egypt is establishing in Somalia also has strategic importance beyond the fight against Al-Shabaab, as it comes at a time when tensions between Egypt and Ethiopia have risen.

The two countries have long been in dispute over the large dam that Ethiopia has built on the Nile River, with Cairo fearing that the management of the dam will affect the waters it receives from that river.

The tension has intensified after Ethiopia renewed its efforts to access the Red Sea route, while Egypt insists that the security and management of that sea must respect the sovereignty of the coastal countries.

President Al-Sisi stated on October 5 that Egypt will never relinquish its share of the Nile waters, describing it as a historical and legal right that cannot be violated.

The conflict between Ethiopia and Egypt is now coinciding with a deteriorating security situation in the region, particularly the conflict tensions between Ethiopia and Eritrea, which have raised concerns about a regional outbreak.

Egyptian security expert, General Khaled Okasha, told The New Arab that Somalia holds particular importance for Egypt's national security, as the stability of Somalia is directly related to the security of the Red Sea, the Bab al-Mandab waterway, and the Suez Canal.

He stated that Cairo wants to assist Somalia in securing its waters, combating terrorism and piracy, and preventing foreign interference.

} Additionally, Professor Ayman Shabana, an expert in political science, told the media that the presence of Egyptian forces in the Horn of Africa is part of Cairo's efforts to safeguard its national security interests, while also showing support for its allied countries, Somalia and Eritrea.

Shabana pointed out that this move also sends a message to other countries in the region, particularly those with which Egypt has security and strategic disputes.