Somalia on Monday signed a defence settlement with Saudi Arabia, deepening navy ties because the Horn of Africa more and more turns into a theatre for regional rivalries amongst Gulf states. The area, which lies alongside one of the world’s busiest commerce routes between the Indian Ocean and the Suez Canal, has drawn rising strategic curiosity from Gulf monarchies.The settlement comes round six weeks after Israel recognised Somaliland, the self-declared republic that broke away from Somalia in 1991 however continues to be claimed by Mogadishu as half of its sovereign territory.Somali defence minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi and Saudi defence minister Prince Khalid bin Salman signed a “navy cooperation settlement” on Monday, the Somali defence ministry stated in a publish on X.“This settlement additional strengthens defence and navy cooperation between the 2 nations, whereas overlaying numerous areas of mutual curiosity for each international locations,” it added.
Deal signed in Riyadh, particulars restricted
Prince Khalid bin Salman stated in a separate publish on X that he had “signed and witnessed the signing” of a number of agreements on the sidelines of a navy exhibition in Riyadh, although he didn’t present additional particulars.Based on Defence Weblog, the memorandum of understanding was signed on February 9 on the sidelines of the World Protection Present 2026 in Riyadh. The Somali defence ministry stated the pact focuses on cooperation in coaching, technical help and defence help, as Mogadishu seeks to strengthen the capabilities of the Somali Nationwide Armed Forces and defend its airspace and territorial integrity.
Somaliland, UAE and shifting alliances
The signing takes place in opposition to the backdrop of heightened political tensions surrounding Somaliland. Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has criticised Israel’s recognition of Somaliland, calling it interference that undermines regional stability, reported Defence Weblog.Somalia has additionally linked the necessity for brand spanking new defence partnerships to broader regional shifts, together with Crimson Sea safety considerations and diplomatic strikes associated to Somaliland. The Saudi settlement was offered by Mogadishu as half of efforts to rally help from allies that recognise Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial unity.As per information company AFP, the United Arab Emirates has invested closely in Somaliland, with Emirati agency DP World growing the Berbera port, which Mogadishu says operates with little regard for Somalia’s federal authorities. Abu Dhabi can also be broadly accused of backing Sudan’s Speedy Help Forces, allegations it has repeatedly denied.
Saudi-UAE rift provides regional complexity
As soon as shut allies, Saudi Arabia and the UAE at the moment are brazenly at odds over regional points, significantly in Sudan and Yemen. Whereas each international locations had joined forces in opposition to Iran-backed Houthis in 2014, their alliance has since fractured, culminating in a current confrontation over alleged arms shipments linked to Yemen.Somalia has lately terminated defence and safety agreements with the UAE, whereas increasing cooperation with different companions, together with Qatar. Officers in Mogadishu have described the settlement with Saudi Arabia as a framework reasonably than a mutual defence treaty, with additional implementation anticipated by means of observe-up preparations.Saudi Arabia, who had additionally signed a defence pact with Pakistan final yr, stays a key safety participant in the Crimson Sea and Horn of Africa area. Furthermore, cooperation with Somalia locations Riyadh firmly alongside Mogadishu at a time when sovereignty disputes and exterior involvement are underneath sharper scrutiny.
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