Somalia signs defense pact with Saudi Arabia amid Gulf tensions

Somalia’s Defence Ministry signed a critical defence agreement with Saudi Arabia on Monday, underscoring the heightened tensions between Gulf monarchies. The move occurred just over two months after Israel recognized Somaliland—a breakaway region that Somalia still considers part of its territory.

Abu Dhabi and Riyadh are increasingly in direct opposition, as both countries vie for influence within the strategic Horn of Africa, a region vital to global trade routes connecting the Indian Ocean with the Suez Canal. This geopolitical landscape has seen various actors vying for power, including Somaliland’s efforts to establish diplomatic ties.

On Monday, Somalia’s Minister of Defence, Ahmed Moallim Fiqi, and Prince Khalid bin Salman, Saudi Arabia’s Royal Highness, signed a military cooperation agreement in what seemed an attempt to reinforce security alliances. According to the Somali defense ministry, this pact encompasses multiple areas aimed at bolstering defence and military collaboration.

A follow-up tweet from X indicated that both leaders reviewed future strategies related to security and defense industry advancements during their meetings. They also witnessed several MOUs (Memoranda of Understanding) and agreements being signed on the sidelines of a Riyadh military exhibition.

In parallel, Somaliland’s economy is flourishing with investments in Berbera Port by DP World, an Emirati entity, which operates the port under Abu Dhabi’s strict supervision—highlighting the UAE’s influence over the territory. Local sources confirmed that this facility includes a restricted-access airport and other infrastructure vital for regional security interests.

Concurrently, Saudi Arabia has shifted its stance against Abu Dhabi due to disagreements on issues involving Sudan and Yemen. This estrangement is evident in their recent alliance breakage when Riyadh orchestrated airstrikes targeting weapons shipments alleged to be headed towards Yemen by the UAE. This escalation underscores the shifting dynamics within the region’s complex geopolitical structure.