Mogadishu: Somalia's defense minister, Ahmed Moallim Fiqi, announced on X the signing of a military cooperation deal with Saudi Arabia's Prince Khalid Bin Salman in Riyadh, marking a new chapter in defense relations between the two nations. The memorandum of understanding aims to strengthen defense and military ties, encompassing various areas of mutual interest, as stated by the Somali Ministry of Defence.
According to Deutsche Welle, Prince Khalid Bin Salman highlighted discussions on the future of security and the defense industry, following meetings with defense officials from Somalia, Slovakia, Malaysia, and South Korea. This agreement follows Israel's recent announcement to recognize Somaliland, a breakaway region in northern Somalia, as an independent state—a move firmly rejected by Somalia as interference in its domestic affairs.
The accord with Saudi Arabia comes shortly after Somalia signed a defense pact with Qatar, focusing on military training and security collaboration. Former BBC Somali editor and Horn of Africa analyst, Abdullahi Abdi Sheikh, noted the significant implications for both countries. For Saudi Arabia, the deal expands its influence to the Gulf of Aden, a crucial global trade route. Somalia, on the other hand, aims to benefit from its engagement with Saudi Arabia, especially after strained relations with the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The geopolitical dynamics in the Horn of Africa are increasingly shaped by the rivalry between the UAE and Saudi Arabia, with both countries vying for influence beyond the Red Sea region. A senior diplomat at the African Union summit expressed concerns over Saudi Arabia's potential loss of influence in the Red Sea. Abdi Sheikh emphasized that the military deal aids Somalia in managing its maritime security and combating terrorism while countering countries sympathetic to Israel's recognition of Somaliland.
Somalia has accused the UAE of facilitating Israel's move to recognize Somaliland, leading to the cancellation of agreements with the UAE earlier this year. Abdi Sheikh described the Somalia-Saudi Arabia agreement as a strategic maneuver against Israel and its allies. Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud vowed to oppose any establishment of an Israeli base in Somaliland.
Hassan Hilowle Abukar, a Somali security analyst, expressed optimism about the Saudi cooperation. He highlighted the benefits in addressing Somalia's long-standing instability and insurgent threats, particularly from al-Shabab. The agreement is expected to bolster Somalia's defense capabilities and enhance counterterrorism efforts through shared intelligence.
Mohamed Abdullahi, a resident of Mogadishu, emphasized the agreement's significance amid challenges to Somalia's sovereignty, following Israel's recognition of Somaliland. He noted that the cooperation provides not only military support but also essential political backing.