African Union officials have announced that Egyptian troops will officially join the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), after completing the necessary technical and legal preparations for the launch of operations.
Reports indicate that the Egyptian contingent will play a key role in combating the Al-Shabaab group, especially in strategic areas of the country.
According to the operation plan, Egyptian troops are expected to operate in the Middle Shabelle region, where they will take over camps previously occupied by Burundian troops.
Burundian troops, who have been in Somalia for nearly two decades, have played a major role in the fighting that ousted Al-Shabaab from many areas, including the capital Mogadishu and its environs.
AUSSOM officials said the strategic objectives of the operation include strengthening the authority of the Somali federal government, reducing the influence of extremist groups, and rebuilding national security institutions.
Meanwhile, the leadership of the AUSSOM operation warned of potential funding challenges, noting that the success of the operation will depend on the availability of stable and reliable funding.
