Saudi Arabia deepens military ties with Somalia through troop training initiative
MOGADISHU, Somalia — Saudi Arabia is widening its military involvement in Somalia, moving to implement a defence cooperation agreement it signed with Mogadishu in February, according to reports.
Under the Saudi-funded programme, about 5,000 Somali soldiers are reportedly undergoing training at two military bases in northern areas of the central Galmudug state.
Foreign instructors from Romania, Ukraine, South Africa, and Colombia are conducting the training as part of the initiative, the reports said.
Saudi military officers have also recently inspected the training sites to assess the programme’s progress, according to the reports.
The agreement signed earlier this year aims to bolster military cooperation between Saudi Arabia and Somalia, though much of its implementation has taken place away from public scrutiny.
The initiative highlights Riyadh’s expanding security footprint in Somalia, where Gulf countries are competing for greater strategic influence. The United Arab Emirates and Qatar have long held significant security and military roles in the country.
AXADLETM
