RIYADH — Somalia has established a significant military cooperation agreement with Saudi Arabia, marking a potential transformation in regional geopolitics aimed at securing the Red Sea and rebalancing influence in the Horn of Africa.
The defense pact was formalized in Riyadh by Somalia’s Defense Minister, Ahmed Moallim Fiqi, and his Saudi counterpart, Prince Khalid bin Salman, on the sidelines of the World Defense Show 2026.
Strategic Realignment
According to officials, the landmark agreement centers on enhancing defense collaboration through military training, equipment modernization, and intelligence sharing.
Security analysts indicate that the deal represents a strengthening of relations between Mogadishu and Riyadh during a period of increased regional tension. By aligning closer with Saudi Arabia and Egypt, Somalia appears to be situating itself within a coalition aimed at protecting the Bab al-Mandab strait and limiting external interference along its coastline.
This development is viewed by observers as a reaction to the worsening relationship between Mogadishu and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The Federal Government has recently criticized Abu Dhabi for alleged violations of national sovereignty, specifically regarding direct engagements with Federal Member States and the breakaway region of Somaliland.
World Defense Show
The signing occurred during the third edition of the World Defense Show, which runs from February 8 to 12. The Somali delegation included Minister of Internal Security Abdullahi Sheikh Ismail and Somali Police Force Commander Brigadier General Asad Osman Abdullahi.
Prince Khalid bin Salman expressed satisfaction with the interactions, noting that discussions centered on future security prospects and the defense industry.
Key Provisions
The agreement focuses on three main objectives:
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Defense Enhancement: Collaborative training and capacity building for the Somali National Armed Forces.
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Red Sea Security: Joint initiatives to safeguard vital maritime passages against piracy and geopolitical threats.
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Mutual Strategic Interests: Cooperation on stabilizing the Horn of Africa amid evolving power dynamics.
Somali officials stated that the pact supports the government’s comprehensive strategy to reconstruct national security institutions and expand cooperation with reliable partners as the campaign against Al-Shabaab continues.
