A 16-member delegation from the Egyptian Armed Forces has arrived in Jowhar, the administrative capital of Hirshabelle, to conduct a security assessment in advance of the arrival of their battalion as part of the AUSSOM operation.
The delegation was led by Brigadier General Islam Radwan and was officially welcomed by the General Command of the 5th Division of the army, the Commander of the Burundian Army, Lt. Gen. Oscar Hatungimana.
The purpose of the Egyptian delegation’s trip was to conduct a security assessment and study of the areas where the Egyptian troops will be stationed, who are expected to join the AUSSOM operation soon.
They are also participating in the security transition plans as the African Union forces gradually transfer security responsibility to the Somali forces.
While in Jowhar, the Egyptian delegation received a comprehensive briefing from Lieutenant General Hatungimana and Burundian military officials, who briefed them on the overall security situation in the Middle Shabelle region, the challenges, and how to mitigate potential security threats from Al-Shabaab.
After listening to the briefing, the delegation inspected key facilities at Jowhar Airport, which are being prepared to become military bases upon the arrival of the Egyptian contingent.
The move is part of the African Union and international community’s efforts to support Somalia in ensuring stability and order, and to transition from the transitional period of AMISOM (now renamed AUSSOM) forces to the responsibility for security of Somali forces.
The Egyptian Army contingent is expected to officially arrive in Somalia in the coming months, with plans to increase military and technical support to Somalia.
