Egypt rejects attempts to divide Somalia, opposes non-littoral military presence in Red Sea

ADDIS ABABA – 12 February 2026: Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty reaffirmed Egypt’s firm rejection of any efforts to fragment Somalia as he chaired the 1330th ministerial meeting of the African Union (AU) Peace and Security Council (PSC).

Abdelatty underscored Egypt’s unwavering support for Somalia’s unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, stressing Cairo’s categorical opposition to any external attempts to partition the country.

He warned that such actions would undermine Somalia’s stability and jeopardize peace and security across the Horn of Africa, as well as the safety of navigation in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.

Establishing Military Presence

The foreign minister also reiterated Egypt’s outright rejection of attempts by non-Red Sea littoral states to exploit the fragile situation in the Horn of Africa to establish a military presence along its coasts.

He described such moves as a clear violation of the principles of sovereignty, non-interference in internal affairs, and good-neighborliness, warning that they risk further escalating regional tensions.

In December, Israel became the first country to formally recognise self-declared Somaliland as an independent and sovereign state, dismissing Somalia’s longstanding rejection of secession.

Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has vowed to confront any prospective Israeli military presence amid reports of plans to establish a base there.

Backing AU Mission

During the PSC session, Abdelatty affirmed Egypt’s continued commitment to supporting the strengthening of Somali state institutions and enhancing their capacity to consolidate security and stability, particularly in confronting terrorism and extremism.

He further highlighted the importance of working with international partners to secure adequate and sustainable funding for the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), enabling it to effectively carry out its mandate.

The minister’s remarks come shortly after the Somali president oversaw the formation of Egyptian forces assigned to AUSSOM.

During a joint press conference in Cairo with Mohamud earlier this week, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi confirmed that Egypt is moving forward with the deployment of its troops as part of the mission.

Both El-Sisi and Mohamud stressed that responsibility for securing the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden rests exclusively with littoral states, underscoring the particular role of Egypt and Somalia in safeguarding the strategic waterway.