Somalia, Saudi Arabia Sign Defense Pact to Shift Horn of Africa Power Balance

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia — Somalia has entered into a major strategic military alliance with Saudi Arabia and Egypt, signaling a significant shift in regional geopolitics aimed at securing the Red Sea and countering the influence of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in the Horn of Africa.

The defense cooperation agreement was signed in Riyadh by Somali Minister of Defense Ahmed Moallim Fiqi and his Saudi counterpart, Prince Khalid bin Salman. The pact marks a deepening of ties between Mogadishu and Riyadh at a time of heightened regional tension.

Key Provisions of the Agreement

According to officials, the historic agreement focuses on three primary pillars:

Defense Strengthening: The two nations will collaborate on military training, modernization of equipment, and the sharing of intelligence to bolster national security.

Red Sea Security: Joint efforts will be established to protect the critical maritime corridors of the Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandab strait from foreign interference and piracy.

Mutual Strategic Interests: Both countries pledged to work together to stabilize the Horn of Africa amid shifting power dynamics and regional instability.

A Changing Political Landscape

The move is seen as a direct response to the deteriorating relationship between Mogadishu and Abu Dhabi. The Somali federal government has recently cancelled several UAE-led projects, accusing the Emirates of infringing upon its national sovereignty through direct dealings with Somali federal member states and supporting maritime deals with the breakaway region of Somaliland.

By aligning with Saudi Arabia and Egypt, Somalia is positioning itself within a powerful bloc that seeks to check the UAE’s ambitions regarding ports and military bases along the Somali coastline.

Security Analysts suggest that Saudi Arabia is now taking a leading role in the region’s security architecture, viewing a strong partnership with the Somali federal government as essential to safeguarding Africa’s longest coastline.

Regional Impact

The alliance between Somalia, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt is expected to alter the balance of power in the Horn of Africa, providing Mogadishu with significant diplomatic and military leverage as it navigates internal federal disputes and external territorial challenges.

GAROWE ONLINE