Amidst significant diplomatic turmoil in the Horn of Africa, Mogadishu officially signed a military cooperation agreement with Saudi Arabia on Monday, February 9, 2026. This rapprochement comes as the region becomes the scene of a fierce struggle for influence among the Gulf powers.

A strategic agreement in the midst of a crisis

Somali Defense Minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi and his Saudi counterpart, Prince Khalid Bin Salman, ratified the partnership in Riyadh. While the technical details remain confidential, the stated objective is clear: to strengthen Somali military capabilities and consolidate defense ties between the two nations.

This signing is not insignificant. It comes amid a complete breakdown in relations between Somalia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE):

1. January 2026: Mogadishu cancels all its agreements with Abu Dhabi.
2. Recognition of Somaliland: Israel's recent recognition of Somaliland's independence has sparked outrage. Many observers see the hand of the Emirates in this, aiming to weaken the Somali central state.

The Horn of Africa: A chessboard for the petro-monarchies

Somalia's strategic position, a linchpin between the Indian Ocean and the Suez Canal, is fueling covetousness. We are now witnessing a proxy war between the two former allies:

Actor	Influence and Actions
United Arab Emirates	Massive presence in Somaliland (port of Berbera), alleged support for the FSR in Sudan.
Saudi Arabia	Support for Somali unity, open criticism of Emirati interventions in Yemen and Sudan.

The implosion of the Saudi-Emirati bloc

The era of unity against the Houthi rebels in Yemen seems to be over. The rivalry between Riyadh and Abu Dhabi reached a point of no return a month ago, after the Saudi army intercepted and bombed a shipment of Emirati weapons destined for Yemeni territory.

By signing with Somalia, Saudi Arabia is marking its territory and attempting to curb Abu Dhabi's expansionism on the African shore of the Red Sea.