FM: Egypt backs regional, international efforts to consolidate Somalia’s security, stability

Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty expressed full support for regional and international initiatives aimed at strengthening Somalia's security and stability during a high-level meeting in Uganda on July 31, 2026. The discussion took place alongside the Second Extraordinary Summit of Troop-Contributing Countries to the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), hosted in Kampala. During the meeting, Abdelatty met with Qurat-ul-Ain Sadozai, Acting Assistant Secretary General and Head of the United Nations Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS). He emphasized Egypt's commitment to bolstering Somali state institutions and safeguarding the nation's unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. Somalia's stability was described by Abdelatty as crucial to the security of the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea region, as well as to broader regional and international peace. He highlighted the significance of securing sustainable funding for the African Union mission, noting concerns over the financial challenges faced by AUSSOM. The foreign minister urged international partners and members of the UN Security Council to provide continued support to ensure the mission has the necessary logistical and financial resources to fulfill its mandate. Abdelatty also underscored the necessity of maintaining both AUSSOM and UNSOS, stressing the importance of their continuity and adequate funding. These organizations play a vital role in preserving Somalia's security and stability, according to the minister. He reaffirmed Egypt's willingness to offer further assistance to Somalia, either through the African Union mission or via bilateral cooperation. Drawing on Egypt's experience in counterterrorism, border security, and institutional capacity-building, he outlined how these areas could contribute to greater stability in Somalia and the surrounding region. The meeting occurred amid ongoing efforts to address the complex security situation in Somalia, which has been plagued by insurgent groups and political instability. AUSSOM, established to assist Somalia in restoring security and governance, has faced challenges related to funding and operational effectiveness. The United Nations Support Office in Somalia works alongside local authorities and international actors to promote peace and development. The collaboration between Egypt and these bodies reflects a growing recognition of the interconnected nature of regional security issues. International engagement in Somalia has intensified in recent years, driven by the threat posed by extremist groups and the need to prevent the spread of instability. Egypt's involvement underscores its strategic interest in maintaining regional stability, particularly given its proximity to the Red Sea and its economic ties with neighboring countries. The country has long played a role in counterterrorism efforts in the region, contributing troops and resources to missions such as Operation Restore Hope and more recently, AUSSOM. Looking ahead, the focus will remain on addressing the financial and logistical constraints affecting the AUSSOM mission. Discussions among troop-contributing nations and international donors will likely center on finding sustainable solutions to ensure the mission can operate effectively. Egypt's continued support is expected to be a key component of this effort, leveraging its expertise and resources to strengthen Somalia's security framework. As the situation evolves, the coordination between regional and international actors will remain critical to achieving lasting stability in Somalia.