Ahmed Kamel – Egypt Daily News
Egyptian Foreign Minister Dr. Badr Abdel Aaty met on Monday with the United Nations Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa on the sidelines of the 5th Aswan Forum for Sustainable Peace and Development, currently being held in Guangzhou, China. The meeting focused on deepening cooperation between Egypt and the United Nations in efforts to stabilize the volatile Horn of Africa region.
During the meeting, Minister Abdel Aaty expressed Egypt’s readiness to work closely with the UN envoy and his team to support security, stability, and development across the region. He emphasized the strategic importance of the Horn of Africa to both regional and international peace efforts, especially amid ongoing conflicts and the spread of extremist movements.
Support for Somalia and Counterterrorism Initiatives
A significant part of the discussions focused on Somalia, where Abdel Aaty reaffirmed Egypt’s commitment to supporting the Somali government in combating terrorism, rebuilding national institutions, and establishing full control over its territory. He stressed the urgent need to bridge the funding gap that currently hampers the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), recently rebranded as the African Union Support Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM).
Abdel Aaty noted that this financial shortfall threatens the mission’s ability to fulfill its mandate in supporting Somali forces against terrorist threats and securing vital maritime corridors, particularly at the entrance of the Red Sea. He also highlighted Egypt’s upcoming deployment of troops as part of the mission, a move he described as a reflection of Cairo’s firm commitment to regional counterterrorism efforts and to fostering peace and development.
Firm Stance on Regional Stability and Sudan Crisis
Turning to broader regional dynamics, the Egyptian foreign minister reiterated Egypt’s rejection of destabilizing policies and interventions in the Horn of Africa. He affirmed Cairo’s support for both regional and international efforts to de-escalate tensions and promote long-term stability in the area, including through diplomatic engagement and conflict prevention strategies.
On the situation in Sudan, Abdel Aaty stressed the deep interconnection between Sudanese stability and Egypt’s national security. He reviewed Egypt’s extensive efforts to mediate the ongoing conflict in Sudan, including initiatives to facilitate political dialogue, broker ceasefires, and deliver humanitarian aid.
He reaffirmed Egypt’s support for Sudan’s “Government of Hope,” led by Dr. Kamal Idris, and warned against any attempts to form parallel governments, which he said would undermine Sudan’s unity and territorial integrity. Abdel Aaty called on regional and international actors to intensify coordination through forums such as the African Union and the International Quartet Mechanism.
Call for International Responsibility and Humanitarian Support
Concluding the meeting, the Egyptian foreign minister appealed to the international community to honor its financial and humanitarian pledges to Sudan. He called for enhanced global cooperation in post-conflict reconstruction, and stressed the importance of equitable burden-sharing with Sudan’s neighboring countries, which have borne the brunt of refugee flows and cross-border instability.
The Aswan Forum, launched in 2019, serves as a platform for African leaders, policymakers, and international partners to discuss peacebuilding, development, and security on the continent. Egypt’s active role in the forum reflects its ambition to be a central player in African diplomacy and conflict resolution.
