The AU and Somali government have authorized the deployment of 2,500 Ethiopian troops to AUSSOM, which will also include about 1,091 Egyptian troops. The mission replaces ATMIS and will feature nearly 12,000 personnel total. Coordination with the Somali national army and joint operations aim to tackle the persistent Al-Shabaab threat, exacerbated by political instability.
The African Union (AU) and the Somali government have approved the deployment of 2,500 Ethiopian troops as part of the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM). Egypt is set to contribute approximately 1,091 troops to this mission, as outlined in a recent UN Security Council report. The total troop deployment for AUSSOM, which commenced in January, will be nearly 12,000 personnel, not including police and various security forces.
Among the contributing nations, Uganda is expected to provide the highest number of troops at 4,500, while Djibouti and Kenya will send 1,520 and 1,410 peacekeepers, respectively. The Somalia Operations Coordination Committee (SOCC) has confirmed this troop composition. AUSSOM has taken over from the African Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), which faced funding challenges and had a decreased number of deployed troops.
The AUSSOM mission is scheduled to continue until the end of 2028. This operation marks the inaugural deployment of Egyptian military personnel to Somalia. Previous missions under ATMIS included troops from Ethiopia, Kenya, Burundi, Djibouti, and Uganda. The involvement of Egyptian forces reflects enhanced relations with Somalia, influenced by recent tensions with Ethiopia regarding a maritime agreement with Somaliland.
In addition to the AUSSOM troops, several hundred police officials from Egypt, Nigeria, and Sierra Leone are slated for deployment in key regions such as Mogadishu, Jowhar, and Baidoa. A statement issued by Somalia’s national security advisor noted that joint military operations between the AUSSOM and the Somali national army are already in progress.
This troop deployment comes against the backdrop of increased Al-Shabaab attacks, including a recent assault on the convoy of Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. In response, there have been intensified aerial strikes against the militant group, conducted by both the U.S. and Ethiopian air forces. The April 2025 UN Security Council report indicates a surge in U.S. airstrikes following the assumption of presidency by Donald Trump, further targeting Al-Shabaab operatives.
Despite these military efforts, Al-Shabaab continues to pose a significant threat, driven by clan rivalries and political instability within Somalia. The report suggests that internal divisions have undermined the government’s defenses and facilitated Al-Shabaab’s expansion in the region.
The deployment of Ethiopian and Egyptian troops under AUSSOM is a critical development in improving security in Somalia. This mission, launching under the auspices of the African Union, aims to combat heightened threats from Al-Shabaab amidst ongoing political and societal challenges. As collaborative military efforts commence, the international community remains focused on stabilizing the region to address longstanding conflict issues.
Original Source: www.thereporterethiopia.com
