Egypt will join the African Union peacekeeping forces in Somalia, the country’s foreign minister said in Cairo.
“Egypt decided to participate in this operation based on the request of the Somali government and the reception of the peace and security council of the African Union,” said Badr Abdelatty who held a press conference in Cairo.
The African Union Stabilization and Support Mission, known as AUSSOM, will replace ATMIS, which is ending this year.
“We discussed the situation in Somalia and Egypt’s support for Somalia’s independence and the rejection of any unilateral move that affects the unity, independence and security of Somalia,” Abdelatty added.
The news released by the Egyptian government coincides with Somalia agreeing to allow Ethiopian troops to remain in the country and remain part of the peacekeeping mission, according to a recent Somali government official who hid his name.
After the Ankara agreement, Somalia and Ethiopia began to restore their diplomatic relations, although the Somali government yesterday accused the Ethiopian forces of violating the Ankara agreement, after they waged war against the Somali government forces in Dolow.
