Somalia signs defence agreement with Saudi Arabia

The deal follows Israel recognising Somaliland, a self-declared state still claimed by Mogadishu

Somalia on Monday signed a defence agreement with Saudi Arabia, as the Horn of Africa becomes an arena for proxy wars between Gulf monarchies, with Abu Dhabi at loggerheads with Riyadh.

The region, strategically located between the Indian Ocean and the Suez Canal on one of the world’s busiest trade routes, has increasingly attracted the interest of the Gulf states.

The agreement comes a month and a half after Israel recognised Somaliland, a self-proclaimed republic that seceded from Somalia in 1991 but which Mogadishu still considers to be under its control.

The Minister of Defence of the Federal Government of Somalia, His Excellency Ahmed Moallim Fiqi, has signed a military cooperation agreement with his counterpart from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, His Royal Highness Prince Khalid bin Salman.

This agreement further strengthens the… pic.twitter.com/PtA0ObCOn4

— MoD Somalia 🇸🇴 (@MoDSomaliya) February 9, 2026

Somali Defence Minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi and his Saudi counterpart, Prince Khalid Bin Salman, signed a “military co-operation agreement” on Monday, according to a message on X from the Somali defence ministry.

“This agreement further strengthens defence and military co-operation between the two nations, while covering various areas of mutual interest for both countries,” it said.

In a separate post on X, Salman added he had “signed and witnessed the signing” of “several” agreements on the sidelines of a military exhibition in Riyadh. He did not provide further details.

I was pleased to meet with Ministers of Defense and senior officials at @WDS_KSA. We reviewed topics related to the future of security and defense industry, and recognized the opportunities at the show. I also signed and witnessed the signing of several MoUs and agreements. pic.twitter.com/jeFBBREiLK

— Khalid bin Salman خالد بن سلمان (@kbsalsaud) February 8, 2026

Meanwhile, in Somaliland, the Emirati giant DP World has invested hundreds of millions of dollars in developing the deep-water port of Berbera, which it uses with little regard for the government in Mogadishu.

This port includes an airport strictly controlled by Abu Dhabi, according to several witnesses and local sources.

Saudi Arabia, once a staunch ally of Abu Dhabi, is now a vocal critic of the UAE, particularly on the Sudanese and Yemeni issues. The two monarchies joined forces in 2014 against the Houthis, who are supported by Iran.

However, the alliance has fractured, culminating in its open collapse a month ago when Riyadh bombed a shipment of weapons allegedly destined for Yemen and originating from the UAE.