Somalia has signed a new military cooperation agreement with Saudi Arabia, weeks after finalizing a similar deal with Qatar, as the Horn of Africa nation seeks regional support against Israel’s recognition of Somaliland.
On Monday, Somali Minister of Defence Ahmed Moallim Fiqi and Saudi counterpart Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) in Riyadh.
The agreement aims to “strengthen the frameworks of defense and military cooperation between the two countries” and covers multiple areas of shared interest, according to Somalia’s Ministry of Defence. Prince Khalid confirmed the pact on X, though both sides provided few further details.
Qatar deal preceded Saudi pact
Last month, Somalia signed a defense agreement with Qatar, focusing on military training, expertise exchange, and enhanced security collaboration. Somali state media said the pact is intended to “promote regional security and stability” while supporting mutual defense interests.
Doha described the agreement as a step to “strengthen areas of joint cooperation” and enhance long-term defense partnerships.
The recent diplomatic and military moves come after Israel became the first country to recognize Somaliland in December 2025. Mogadishu has expressed concerns that Israel could establish a military base in the breakaway region, which could destabilize neighboring countries.
Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud told Al Jazeera that Somalia “will never allow” such a base and will confront any Israeli presence. Meanwhile, a Somaliland official told Israel’s Channel 12 that discussions over a potential base are still ongoing.
Somalia cuts ties with UAE
In a related development, Somalia last month canceled all agreements with the United Arab Emirates, including port operations, security, and defense deals. Mogadishu accused Abu Dhabi of actions that undermine Somalia’s “national unity and political independence” and noted the UAE’s support for Israel’s recognition of Somaliland.
The UAE holds a 30-year concession at Berbera port in Somaliland through DP World and has avoided signing a joint Arab-Islamic statement condemning Israel’s move, though it affirmed support for Somalia’s sovereignty in a statement with the African Union.
The Somalia-Saudi deal also reflects broader regional dynamics. Saudi Arabia and the UAE have experienced strained relations following Riyadh’s reported bombing of a UAE weapons shipment to Yemen’s separatist Southern Transitional Council in December 2025.
Saudi Arabia has also condemned alleged UAE support for Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which have been fighting the Sudanese Armed Forces for nearly three years, killing dozens, including civilians. Sudan has filed a case against the UAE at the International Court of Justice, accusing it of complicity in genocide against the Masalit community.
