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Somalia and Qatar have signed a new defense cooperation agreement aimed at strengthening military ties and expanding security collaboration between the two countries. The agreement was signed on Monday in Doha by Somalia’s Minister of Defense, Ahmed Moallim Fiqi, and Qatar’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defense Affairs, Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman bin Hassan Al Thani. Officials from both governments confirmed the signing, describing it as a key step toward deeper long-term cooperation in defense and security matters.
The agreement focuses on several priority areas, including military training, the exchange of expertise, the development of defense capabilities, and broader security cooperation. According to officials, the goal is to help strengthen Somalia’s armed forces while also contributing to peace and stability in the wider region. By investing in training and knowledge-sharing, the two countries hope to build a more professional, capable, and self-reliant Somali military.
Somali officials said the deal reflects the strong strategic relationship between Mogadishu and Doha, noting that both countries share similar views on security, sovereignty, and regional stability. They described the agreement as part of a shared commitment to long-term cooperation that goes beyond short-term security needs and supports Somalia’s broader state-building efforts.
The signing of the agreement comes at a sensitive moment in Somalia’s regional relations. Just days earlier, the Somali federal government formally ended its defense, security, and ports cooperation agreements with the United Arab Emirates. Somali authorities said the decision was taken after repeated concerns that those agreements violated the country’s sovereignty, unity, and political independence. Tensions between Mogadishu and Abu Dhabi had been building for some time, particularly over how security arrangements were being handled and the broader regional alliances involved.
Against this backdrop, the new partnership with Qatar signals a shift in Somalia’s security strategy. Rather than relying heavily on a limited number of partners, Somalia appears to be seeking a more balanced approach by diversifying its defense relationships. Officials stressed that all security cooperation must be conducted through the federal government and in line with Somalia’s constitution, a point they say is central to protecting national unity and ensuring accountability.
Qatar has become one of Somalia’s closest allies in recent years, offering diplomatic support and backing Somalia’s efforts to rebuild its institutions after decades of conflict. Doha has consistently supported Mogadishu on key political issues, including Somalia’s territorial integrity. Notably, Qatar was among the countries that rejected Israel’s recognition of Somaliland, a stance that aligned closely with Somalia’s position and was welcomed by Somali leaders.
The new defense agreement also comes as Somalia continues its fight against the al-Shabab militant group. Despite ongoing military operations and support from international partners, the group remains a serious security threat. Somali officials believe that stronger training programs, better coordination, and improved defense capabilities will help the country respond more effectively to such challenges and gradually take full responsibility for its own security.
While the agreement outlines broad areas of cooperation, officials said more details on implementation, joint programs, and timelines will be announced later. For now, Somali leaders see the deal as an important step toward building a stronger national army and reinforcing partnerships that respect Somalia’s sovereignty and long-term interests.
Overall, the Somalia–Qatar defense agreement highlights Mogadishu’s evolving approach to security cooperation, one that prioritizes constitutional order, trusted alliances, and sustainable capacity-building as the country navigates a complex and changing regional security environment.