Thursday July 16, 2026
Somali Defence Minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi (left) signed a memorandum of understanding for military cooperation with his Saudi counterpart, Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, in Riyadh [X/@MoDSomaliya]
Mogadishu (AX) — Saudi Arabia is reportedly moving ahead with a defense and military cooperation pact reached with Somalia in February, expanding its support for the federal government’s security forces.
The agreement, signed to deepen military and defense ties between Mogadishu and Riyadh, has not been fully detailed publicly, leaving much of its implementation unclear.
Reports say close to 5,000 Somali troops are now receiving training at two facilities in the northern Galmudug region through the Saudi-backed initiative.
Foreign instructors from Romania, Ukraine, South Africa and Colombia are reportedly conducting the training, which is being financed by Saudi Arabia.
According to the reports, Saudi military officials recently travelled to the training sites to review the programme’s progress.
Neither the Somali nor Saudi government has publicly addressed the reported training operation.
Riyadh’s growing role comes as Gulf countries seek greater security and military influence in Somalia, where the United Arab Emirates and Qatar have long maintained significant involvement.
Since the early 2010s, the UAE has backed the Puntland State Maritime Police Force with training, equipment and financial support.
Reports have also indicated that UAE forces operate from Bosaso, providing air support during operations targeting ISIS militants in the Al-Miskaad mountains.
But ties between Somalia’s federal government and the UAE have worsened since Mogadishu suspended port and security cooperation deals with Abu Dhabi in January, accusing the UAE of violating Somalia’s sovereignty.
The reported Saudi military assistance introduces another element to regional competition and engagement in Somalia’s security sector, as the federal government works to rebuild the Somali National Army and lessen its reliance on international forces.
