El-Sisi tells CIA chief Egypt will defend Somalia’s sovereignty

CAIRO, Egypt — Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi has reaffirmed Cairo’s full support for efforts to strengthen security and stability in Somalia, rejecting any infringement on the country’s sovereignty, unity or territorial integrity.

El-Sisi made the remarks on Sunday during a meeting with CIA Director John Ratcliffe in Cairo. The talks, also attended by Egypt’s General Intelligence Service chief Hassan Rashad, covered bilateral strategic ties and regional developments, including the war involving Iran, the Gaza ceasefire plan, the Palestinian issue and the crisis in Sudan.

Ratcliffe, meanwhile, expressed US appreciation for Egypt’s role in supporting security and stability in Africa and stressed the importance of continued coordination between Washington and Cairo, particularly over Sudan, Somalia and the Horn of Africa, as well as international maritime security.

Egypt has strengthened its strategic partnership with Somalia in recent years. The two countries elevated their relations to a strategic partnership in 2025 and subsequently signed a defence agreement and a military cooperation protocol.

Cairo has also pledged troops to the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), with Egyptian officials saying the contingent would be deployed in the Middle Shabelle region. Bilateral cooperation has also expanded into trade, judicial affairs and water resources.

The meeting comes as Egypt and Ethiopia remain at odds over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, while Somalia has assumed growing strategic importance in security discussions involving the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea. The convergence of US and Egyptian interests on Somalia and maritime security highlights the wider regional importance of the country.

GAROWE ONLINE