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Somalia cabinet has officially approved a new security agreement with Saudi Arabia, marking a significant step in enhancing military collaboration and counterterrorism efforts between the two nations. The deal, endorsed during a cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre in Mogadishu, establishes a framework for bilateral coordination on defense strategy, intelligence sharing, and capacity-building for Somali forces.
The agreement comes as Somalia continues to restructure its national security apparatus with support from foreign allies and international partners. Government officials view the pact as a strategic milestone that could serve as a foundation for future cooperation beyond security, including trade and cultural exchange. “Our partnership is a powerful step toward improving our regional security posture,” a Somali government spokesperson stated. “It reflects our shared commitment with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to ensuring long-term peace and stability.”
Under the memorandum of understanding, Somalia and Saudi Arabia will collaborate on joint military operations, personnel training, and intelligence exchanges aimed at countering extremist threats in the Horn of Africa and the Gulf region. The deal is expected to bolster Somalia’s fight against Al-Shabaab and ISIS, both of which continue to pose significant security challenges.
Somalia has been actively seeking reliable partners to strengthen its defense capabilities, and Saudi Arabia’s involvement signals a deepening of ties between the two nations. The agreement aligns with Somalia’s broader strategy to enhance national security and build strategic alliances amid ongoing threats from extremist groups and regional instability. In recent years, Somalia has entered into defense and security cooperation agreements with multiple countries, including Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Ethiopia, Kenya, Turkey, Tanzania, Uganda, Djibouti, Qatar, Eritrea, and Burundi. These agreements aim to improve military training, intelligence sharing, border security, and counterterrorism efforts.
The cabinet meeting also reviewed updates on Somalia’s security situation, including recent military gains against Al-Shabaab, preparations for the upcoming Hajj pilgrimage, and a briefing from a committee coordinating battlefield support against terrorist groups operating in Somalia. Officials emphasized that the pact with Saudi Arabia will deepen bilateral relations and contribute to Somalia’s efforts to modernize its armed forces and stabilize the country.
As Somalia transitions from African Union-led security operations to greater national control under the Somali Armed Forces, the government has reiterated its commitment to working with trusted partners to achieve long-term peace and security. The approval of the Saudi security deal marks a pivotal moment in Somalia’s defense strategy, reinforcing its commitment to regional stability and international cooperation.