Egypt and Turkey boost military presence in Somalia amid regional tensions

The Horn of Africa is witnessing notable military activity as Somalia deepens defence cooperation with both Egypt and Turkey.

Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud attended a deployment parade in Cairo on Wednesday for Egyptian forces participating in the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), aimed at supporting Somalia’s unity, security and territorial integrity.

According to a statement from the Egyptian military spokesperson, the event included a briefing on preparations and equipment for the mission, alongside training demonstrations and a display of vehicles. The spokesperson said the participating units had reached a high level of operational readiness following an intensive professional training programme.

Meanwhile, in Mogadishu, Somalia received units from the Turkish Navy, including the landing ship TCG Sancaktar, as part of ongoing military cooperation between Ankara and the Somali government.

Somalia’s State Minister of Defence, Omar Abdi Ali, and the Commander of the Somali National Army, Brigadier General Ibrahim Mohamed Mahmoud, welcomed the Turkish naval contingent. The Somali Ministry of Defence said the arrival of the warships coincides with efforts to develop the country’s navy and coast guard capabilities.

Somali media also reported that a Turkish Air Force Airbus A400M Atlas landed at Aden Adde International Airport after departing from Kayseri Erkilet Air Base in Turkey. The aircraft is believed to be linked to the expanding defence partnership between the two countries.

Reports suggest that Turkey has recently delivered military equipment to Somalia, amid the presence of senior Turkish naval officials in Mogadishu.

Somalia maintains military cooperation agreements with both Egypt and Turkey. Both countries have expressed opposition to attempts to recognise separatist regions within Somalia and have reaffirmed their support for the country’s territorial integrity and stability, while providing military assistance to strengthen Somali forces against terrorist and separatist threats.