Somalia and Saudi Arabia have signed a defence and military cooperation agreement in Riyadh, signalling closer strategic ties and a shared focus on security in the Red Sea region.
Somalia’s Defence Ministry said the agreement was signed on Monday as Mogadishu continues efforts to strengthen its national security and expand cooperation with key regional partners. The deal reflects growing alignment between the two governments on defence and stability concerns.
The deal comes as there is growing speculation that Israel plans to establish a military base in the breakaway Somali region of Somaliland.
The memorandum of understanding was signed by Somali Defence Minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi and his Saudi counterpart, Prince Khalid bin Salman. Officials did not disclose detailed provisions, but described the pact as covering several areas of mutual military and defence interest.
Somali media portrayed the agreement as part of a broader strategic partnership, particularly as regional attention intensifies around maritime security and geopolitical competition in the Red Sea and Horn of Africa.
Regional security
The agreement comes at a time of heightened concern over stability in the Red Sea, a critical maritime corridor for global trade and energy shipments. Regional governments have increasingly prioritised cooperation to address emerging security challenges.
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Somalia has faced persistent threats from armed groups while also navigating shifting regional dynamics.
Officials view stronger defence partnerships as essential to safeguarding territorial waters, airspace, and key shipping routes that affect national and international interests.
The Red Sea’s strategic importance has drawn wider geopolitical attention, placing additional pressure on countries along its shores to coordinate security policies. The new pact positions Somalia and Saudi Arabia as closer partners in managing these shared risks.
Military cooperation
According to officials, the agreement establishes a framework for wide-ranging military cooperation between the two countries. This includes training and capacity building for Somali forces, as well as support related to military equipment.
The deal also covers cooperation in modern security and defence technologies, along with coordination on defence planning. It provides mechanisms for exchanging expertise between the Somali National Army and Saudi armed forces.
Somalia has sought advanced technical support and training from allied countries to improve the professionalism and operational readiness of its military. Officials believe the agreement will contribute to rebuilding national defence institutions after decades of conflict.
Strategic ties
Saudi Arabia has long been a key supporter of Somalia, particularly in efforts to counter armed groups and strengthen internal security. The new agreement reinforces existing political and security ties between Mogadishu and Riyadh.
Some analysts see the timing of the pact as reflecting broader regional competition, including Saudi Arabia’s interest in maintaining influence in the Horn of Africa as the United Arab Emirates expands its own footprint. The UAE has pursued separate security and commercial arrangements in the region, including recent dealings with Somaliland.
For Somalia’s federal government, closer cooperation with Saudi Arabia may also serve as a counterweight to those engagements. Mogadishu has opposed external agreements with Somaliland, which it considers an integral part of the country, and has sought stronger partnerships that affirm its sovereignty.
Somalia’s push for stronger defence partnerships has gained urgency amid renewed focus on its breakaway region of Somaliland. Officials see enhanced military capacity and international backing as vital to protecting territorial integrity.
