Somalia & Saudi Arabia Sign Defense Pact to Strengthen Military Cooperation

Somalia and Saudi Arabia Expand Military Ties with New Defence Cooperation Agreement

Somalia and Saudi Arabia have formalized a significant defense and military cooperation agreement, signing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) in Riyadh on February 9, 2026. The pact, inked by defense ministers Ahmed Moallim Fiqi of Somalia and Prince Khalid bin Salman of Saudi Arabia, aims to enhance bilateral security ties amid shifting geopolitical currents in the strategically vital Horn of Africa and Red Sea region.

Key Elements of the Defense Pact

While full details are confidential, the agreement establishes a framework for:

• Military Training & Capacity Building: Saudi support for the Somali National Armed Forces, including training programs and technical expertise exchanges.

• Defense Modernization: Potential assistance with military equipment and technology to modernize Somalia's capabilities.

• Strategic Coordination: Enhanced collaboration on defense planning, intelligence sharing, and regional security.

• Maritime Security: Joint efforts on counter-terrorism and securing vital Red Sea and Gulf of Aden shipping lanes.

Strategic Context: Somalia's Diplomatic Realignment

The agreement is a strategic move for Mogadishu, coming at a critical time:

• Response to Somaliland: It follows Israel's controversial recognition of the breakaway region of Somaliland, which Somalia vehemently opposes. The pact signals Saudi political backing for Somalia's territorial integrity.

• Shifting Gulf Alliances: The deal comes shortly after Somalia canceled its security agreements with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and signed a similar pact with Qatar. This reflects Somalia's strategy to diversify alliances amid growing Saudi-UAE rivalry for influence in the Horn of Africa.

• Fighting Al-Shabab: For Somalia, Saudi support is crucial for strengthening its army in the long fight against the al-Shabab insurgency and achieving national stability.

Regional Implications and Saudi Arabia's Role

The pact has broader implications for regional security:

• Red Sea Security: Enhanced cooperation could bolster efforts to combat piracy, terrorism, and secure the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, a chokepoint for global oil and trade.

• Gulf Competition: It highlights the intensifying strategic competition between Saudi Arabia and the UAE in East Africa, with Somalia becoming a focal point.

• Saudi Leadership: For Riyadh, the agreement reinforces its role as a key security partner and stabilizer in a volatile region, extending its influence beyond the Arabian Peninsula.

Also Read: Saudi Arabia Shows F-35 Mockup in RSAF Colours at World Defense Show 2026

The Road Ahead

This MoU is more than a symbolic gesture; it lays the groundwork for tangible military support and deeper long-term engagement. As Somalia continues to navigate complex regional dynamics, this strengthened partnership with Saudi Arabia provides vital security assistance and diplomatic leverage, potentially reshaping the security architecture of the Horn of Africa in the years to come.