Somalia signs military cooperation agreement with Saudi Arabia
Somalia announced on Monday the signing of a military cooperation agreement with Saudi Arabia, amid increasing geopolitical tensions in the Horn of Africa, a region witnessing proxy rivalries between Gulf monarchies.
The agreement was signed by Somali Defense Minister Ahmad Moallim Fiqi and Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid Bin Salman, according to a statement from Mogadishu’s Ministry of Defense. The accord aims to strengthen defense and military collaboration, covering multiple areas of mutual interest between the two nations.
The announcement follows recent developments in the region, including Israel’s recognition of the self-declared Somaliland republic, which Mogadishu considers part of Somali territory. Analysts suggest that the United Arab Emirates, closely aligned with Israel, played a key role in that recognition, heightening political tensions.
The Horn of Africa occupies a strategic location along the Red Sea, near the Gulf of Aden and the Suez Canal, making it a focal point for global trade and regional influence. UAE investments in the Somaliland port of Berbera, alongside control of the airport, have further fueled rivalries with Saudi Arabia, which has criticized Abu Dhabi’s policies in Sudan and Yemen.
This agreement marks a significant step in Somalia’s foreign and defense policy, signaling closer ties with Riyadh as it navigates regional pressures and Gulf competition.
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