Somalia and Djibouti on Wednesday, July 30, formalised an agreement for the expanded deployment of Djiboutian Armed Forces within Somali territory, reaffirming a joint commitment to regional peace and stability. The accord, signed in Djibouti City in the presence of senior officials from both nations, outlines the modalities of intervention, mutual responsibilities, and coordination mechanisms aimed at reinforcing bilateral military cooperation.
The move comes amid intensifying attacks by the al-Qaeda-linked militant group al-Shabaab, particularly in south-central Somalia’s Hirshabele state, where the Somali National Army (SNA) and allied militias have recently lost control of strategic towns and villages. The joint statement emphasised Djibouti’s “unwavering” support for Somalia’s security architecture and its dedication to fostering peace in the Horn of Africa.
Djibouti, a longstanding contributor to African Union peacekeeping efforts, already maintains a military presence in critical areas such as Beledweyne, Buula-burte, and Jalalaqsi in the Hiraan region. The additional deployment aims to bolster frontline support to the SNA as it faces renewed pressure from al-Shabaab insurgents, who have waged a violent campaign against Somalia’s government and civilians for over 16 years.