Somalia on Monday signed a defence cooperation agreement with Saudi Arabia underscoring the growing strategic competition among Gulf states in the Horn of Africa a region increasingly shaped by proxy rivalries.
The agreement was signed in Riyadh by Somali Defence Minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi and Saudi Defence Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman according to a statement posted by Somalia’s defence ministry on X. The ministry said the pact aims to strengthen military and defence cooperation and covers several areas of mutual interest though specific details were not disclosed.
Prince Khalid bin Salman confirmed that multiple agreements were signed on the sidelines of a military exhibition in Riyadh but did not elaborate further.
The Horn of Africa has become a focal point for Gulf powers due to its strategic position along major global trade routes linking the Indian Ocean to the Suez Canal. The deal comes amid heightened regional tensions including Israel’s recent recognition of Somaliland a self-declared republic that broke away from Somalia in 1991 but remains unrecognised by Mogadishu.
Saudi Arabia’s growing engagement contrasts with the United Arab Emirates strong presence in Somaliland where Emirati firm DP World has invested heavily in the Berbera port and controls related infrastructure.
Relations between Riyadh and Abu Dhabi once close allies, have deteriorated sharply in recent months over conflicts in Sudan and Yemen further complicating the geopolitical landscape in the Horn of Africa.
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