Post by : Mariam
Al-Faris
Somalia has signed a new military cooperation agreement with Saudi Arabia to improve defence and security ties between the two countries. The agreement was signed in Riyadh by Somalia’s Defence Minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi and Saudi Arabia’s Defence Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz.
Somalia’s Ministry of Defence said the agreement will help both countries work more closely in defence and military matters. It aims to strengthen cooperation in areas that are important for the security and strategic interests of both nations. However, no detailed information about the agreement has been shared by either side.
This deal comes only weeks after Somalia signed a similar defence agreement with Qatar. The agreement with Qatar focuses on military training, sharing experience, improving defence capacity, and increasing security cooperation. Somalia says these steps are important for regional peace and stability.
Somalia is increasing its diplomatic and defence efforts because of rising tensions in the Horn of Africa. These tensions grew after Israel recognised Somaliland as an independent region in December. Somalia strongly opposes this move and considers Somaliland an important part of its national territory.
The Somali government has warned that Israel may try to build a military base in Somaliland. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has clearly said that Somalia will never allow any foreign military base in the region. He stated that Somalia is ready to defend its sovereignty and will confront any such action.
Recently, Somalia also cancelled all agreements with the United Arab Emirates, including deals related to ports, defence, and security. Somalia accused the UAE of actions that harm the country’s unity and political independence. Reports have suggested that the UAE helped Israel recognise Somaliland, but the UAE has denied these claims.
The situation has also affected relations among Gulf countries. Saudi Arabia and the UAE have faced disagreements over conflicts in Yemen and Sudan. Saudi Arabia has criticised foreign interference in Sudan, while Sudan has filed a legal case against the UAE over alleged support for armed groups. The UAE has rejected these accusations.
Somalia’s new defence agreements with Saudi Arabia and Qatar show its effort to strengthen regional partnerships and protect its sovereignty during a period of growing regional tension.
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