Saudi Arabia expands military role in Somalia with new troop training programme

MOGADISHU, Somalia — Saudi Arabia has expanded its military support for Somalia by launching the implementation of a defence cooperation agreement signed with Mogadishu in February, according to reports.

As part of the programme, around 5,000 Somali troops are reportedly being trained at two military bases in the northern part of the central Galmudug state.

The training is being provided by foreign instructors from Romania, Ukraine, South Africa, and Colombia under a Saudi-funded initiative, the reports said.

Saudi military officers recently visited the training sites to review the progress of the programme, according to the reports.

The defence agreement, signed earlier this year, is intended to strengthen military cooperation between the two countries, although its implementation has largely remained out of public view.

The move underscores Saudi Arabia's growing security engagement in Somalia, joining other Gulf states seeking greater strategic influence in the country. The United Arab Emirates and Qatar have long maintained prominent security and military roles in Somalia.

GAROWE ONLINE