SOMALIA AND SAUDI ARABIA SIGN DEFENCE COOPERATION AGREEMENT

Somalia and Saudi Arabia have signed a defence cooperation agreement in Riyadh to expand military coordination, training and broader security collaboration between the two states. The Somalia-Saudi Arabia defence cooperation framework was concluded during high-level meetings linked to an international defence event.

Agreement Signed In Riyadh

Riyadh, 9 February 2026 — Somalia and Saudi Arabia signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at strengthening military cooperation between the two states. The agreement was signed by Somali Defence Minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi and Saudi Defence Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman in the Saudi capital.

According to reporting by Somali and regional outlets, the memorandum covers multiple areas of mutual defence interest and is intended to deepen institutional military ties between the armed forces of both states. The signing took place on the sidelines of the World Defence Show 2026, an international defence exhibition hosted in Riyadh.

Scope Of Somalia-Saudi Arabia Defence Cooperation

Official statements indicated that the agreement will expand cooperation across several defence sectors. The Somali Defence Ministry said the framework is designed to strengthen military collaboration and coordination mechanisms between the two governments. Local media reports describe the arrangement as covering a range of areas of mutual interest, although specific operational details were not publicly disclosed.

The partnership is also linked to broader efforts by Somalia’s federal government to improve the capacity and professionalisation of its security forces. Additional reporting indicates that the agreement has a regional security dimension, including references to cooperation relevant to Red Sea stability.

Strategic Context And Regional Security Considerations

The defence pact was concluded amid ongoing regional security coordination initiatives involving states in the Horn of Africa and the Gulf region. Somali authorities have previously pursued external partnerships to strengthen national defence institutions and counter security threats.

Earlier security arrangements between Somalia and external partners have included cooperation on intelligence-sharing and counterterrorism objectives, illustrating a pattern of multilateral defence engagement by Mogadishu. Separate reporting notes that discussions between Somali and Saudi officials during the visit also addressed broader security issues affecting Somalia and the surrounding region.

Institutional And Bilateral Implications

The newly signed memorandum is described by participating authorities as strengthening long-term defence relations between the two governments. Somali and Saudi officials stated that the agreement is intended to formalise cooperation structures across military sectors and facilitate future joint initiatives. The defence cooperation agreement reflects ongoing engagement between Riyadh and Mogadishu in areas linked to security coordination and capacity development.

Concluding Outlook

Recently, Somalia's role in international politics has gained more importance, and this defence agreement underlines this trend. In the context of the ongoing instability in Yemen, the safety and control of the Horn of Africa has become more important to other nations, leading them to seek closer cooperation with Somalia. Due to improving domestic stability, Somalia has also built some capacity to slowly enter the realm of cooperative international politics. The question remains how Somalia will behave when the involved nations develop different positions and ask Somalia to pick sides.