The region, located on one of the world’s busiest trade routes between the Indian Ocean and the Suez Canal, has attracted growing strategic interest from the Gulf monarchies.
The agreement comes six weeks after Israel recognized Somaliland. Somaliland is a self-proclaimed republic that broke away from Somalia in 1991, but Mogadishu still claims it as part of its sovereign territory.
Somali Defense Minister Ahmed Moalem Fichi and Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman signed a “military cooperation agreement” on Monday, the Somali Defense Ministry said in a post on X.
“This agreement further strengthens defense and military cooperation between the two countries while covering various areas of mutual interest,” the statement added.
Agreement signed in Riyadh, details limited
Prince Khalid bin Salman said in a separate post on X that he “signed and witnessed the signing of several agreements” during a military exhibition in Riyadh, but did not provide further details.According to Defense Blog, the MoU was signed on February 9 during the World Defense Exhibition 2026 in Riyadh. The Somali Defense Ministry said the agreement focuses on cooperation in training, technical assistance and defense support, with Mogadishu seeking to strengthen the capabilities of Somalia’s national armed forces and protect its airspace and territorial integrity.
Somaliland, the UAE and changing alliances
The signing comes against the backdrop of heightened political tensions around Somaliland. According to the Defense Blog, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohammed criticized Israel’s recognition of Somaliland, saying that its interference destabilizes the region.Somalia also linked the need for a new defense partnership to wider regional changes, including Red Sea security issues and diplomatic moves related to Somaliland. The Saudi deal was proposed by Mogadishu as part of an effort to win support from allies that recognize Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial unity.The United Arab Emirates has invested heavily in Somaliland, with DP World developing the port of Berbera, which Mogadishu says is being run with little regard for the Somali federal government, AFP reported. Abu Dhabi has also been widely accused of supporting Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces, a charge it has repeatedly denied.
Saudi-UAE rift adds to regional complexity
Saudi Arabia and the UAE were once close allies but now openly disagree on regional issues, particularly Sudan and Yemen. While the two countries joined forces to fight the Iran-backed Houthi rebels in 2014, their alliance has since broken down and they have recently clashed over alleged arms shipments related to Yemen.Somalia recently terminated its defense and security agreement with the United Arab Emirates while expanding cooperation with other partners such as Qatar. Mogadishu officials have described the agreement with Saudi Arabia as a framework rather than a mutual defense treaty, which is expected to be further implemented through follow-on arrangements.Saudi Arabia also signed a defense agreement with Pakistan last year and remains a key security player in the Red Sea and Horn of Africa regions. Moreover, cooperation with Somalia positions Riyadh firmly with Mogadishu at a time when sovereignty disputes and outside involvement are under greater scrutiny.