MOGADISHU (SD) The new African Union Mission in Somalia, known as AUSSOM, officially began its operations, as announced by the African Union representative in Somalia.

In a statement issued by Mohamed El-Amine Souef, it was confirmed that the AUSSOM mission started in Somalia from today, January 1, 2025.

The statement also mentioned that according to United Nations Security Council Resolution 2767 (2024), AUSSOM will continue the successes achieved by the recently concluded ATMIS mission to ensure that Somalia achieves lasting peace and security.

Egypt is now part of this new mission, while Ethiopia, which was part of the previous ATMIS mission, has been excluded due to maritime tensions.

Egypt is currently planning to deploy its troops to Somalia via air and sea to be part of this new mission starting this year.

Analysts suggest that Egypt’s military presence aims to expand its influence in the strategic Horn of Africa region.