RIYADH — Saudi Arabia is reportedly concluding negotiations for a new military coalition with Somalia and Egypt, a move that signals a potential shift in regional dynamics relative to the United Arab Emirates’ influence.
President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud is scheduled to visit Saudi Arabia shortly to finalize the agreement. According to sources familiar with the discussions, the pact seeks to enhance strategic collaboration on Red Sea security and deepen military ties between Mogadishu and Riyadh.
The development follows the Federal Government of Somalia’s recent decision to terminate security and port agreements with the UAE. Mogadishu alleged that the Gulf nation had violated its sovereignty, citing specific incidents involving the unauthorized movement of actors across Somali territory.
Saudi officials have reportedly encouraged the Somali administration to recalibrate its relations with Abu Dhabi. Tensions between the two OPEC+ members have escalated recently, partly driven by differing strategic objectives in Yemen and the broader region.
Saudi Arabia has consistently supported Somalia’s territorial integrity and its campaign against Al-Shabaab, although its material assistance has historically been limited. The proposed agreement would represent the Kingdom’s first significant direct effort to strengthen the East African nation’s security architecture.
While a Somali government representative acknowledged that an agreement is being developed, they declined to provide specific details. Egyptian and Saudi officials have not publicly commented on the inquiries regarding the pact.
The UAE has expanded its presence across Africa in recent years, investing in logistics and infrastructure, including the ports of Berbera in Somaliland and Bosaso in Puntland.
Somalia’s diplomatic rupture with the UAE occurred in the wake of reports that Israel had become the first nation to recognize Somaliland, a move that provided the breakaway region with a new partner on the strategic Red Sea coastline. This development was promptly condemned by major regional powers, including Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Turkey.
Last weekend, the Kingdom rallied members of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to reject what it characterized as an “illegal measure.” The OIC issued a statement describing the recognition agreement as a direct threat to the peace and security of the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea region.
This potential coalition builds upon earlier diplomatic foundations; Egypt established a separate agreement with Mogadishu last year to improve relations and enhance military cooperation, aimed at strengthening the capacities of Somali state institutions.
