Somalia on Monday signed a defence agreement with Saudi Arabia, deepening military ties as the Horn of Africa increasingly becomes a theatre for regional rivalries among Gulf states. The region, which lies along one of the world’s busiest trade routes between the Indian Ocean and the Suez Canal, has drawn growing strategic interest from Gulf monarchies.The agreement comes around six weeks after Israel recognised Somaliland, the self-declared republic that broke away from Somalia in 1991 but is still claimed by Mogadishu as part of its sovereign territory.Somali defence minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi and Saudi defence minister Prince Khalid bin Salman signed a “military cooperation agreement” on Monday, the Somali defence ministry said in a post on X.“This agreement further strengthens defence and military cooperation between the two nations, while covering various areas of mutual interest for both countries,” it added.
Deal signed in Riyadh, details limited
Prince Khalid bin Salman said in a separate post on X that he had “signed and witnessed the signing” of several agreements on the sidelines of a military exhibition in Riyadh, though he did not provide further details.According to Defence Blog, the memorandum of understanding was signed on February 9 on the sidelines of the World Defense Show 2026 in Riyadh. The Somali defence ministry said the pact focuses on cooperation in training, technical assistance and defence support, as Mogadishu seeks to strengthen the capabilities of the Somali National Armed Forces and protect its airspace and territorial integrity.
Somaliland, UAE and shifting alliances
The signing takes place against the backdrop of heightened political tensions surrounding Somaliland. Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has criticised Israel’s recognition of Somaliland, calling it interference that undermines regional stability, reported Defence Blog.Somalia has also linked the need for new defence partnerships to broader regional shifts, including Red Sea security concerns and diplomatic moves related to Somaliland. The Saudi agreement was presented by Mogadishu as part of efforts to rally support from allies that recognise Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial unity.As per news agency AFP, the United Arab Emirates has invested heavily in Somaliland, with Emirati firm DP World developing the Berbera port, which Mogadishu says operates with little regard for Somalia’s federal government. Abu Dhabi is also widely accused of backing Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces, allegations it has repeatedly denied.
Saudi-UAE rift adds regional complexity
Once close allies, Saudi Arabia and the UAE are now openly at odds over regional issues, particularly in Sudan and Yemen. While both countries had joined forces against Iran-backed Houthis in 2014, their alliance has since fractured, culminating in a recent confrontation over alleged arms shipments linked to Yemen.Somalia has recently terminated defence and security agreements with the UAE, while expanding cooperation with other partners, including Qatar. Officials in Mogadishu have described the agreement with Saudi Arabia as a framework rather than a mutual defence treaty, with further implementation expected through follow-up arrangements.Saudi Arabia, who had also signed a defence pact with Pakistan last year, remains a key security player in the Red Sea and Horn of Africa region. Moreover, cooperation with Somalia places Riyadh firmly alongside Mogadishu at a time when sovereignty disputes and external involvement are under sharper scrutiny.