Saudi Arabia to forge military pact with Egypt and Somalia amid UAE rivalry

Saudi Arabia is finalising a new military coalition with Somalia and Egypt as part of its efforts to curb the United Arab Emirates’ regional influence.

Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud is expected to travel to Riyadh soon to finalise the deal, which aims to deepen military cooperation and enhance strategic collaboration on Red Sea security, according to sources familiar with the matter.

This move comes shortly after Somalia cancelled security and port agreements with the UAE, accusing the Gulf state of violating its sovereignty by moving a Yemeni separatist leader through Somali territory.

Saudi officials have reportedly encouraged Somalia to reduce ties with the UAE, amid rising tensions between the two OPEC+ members, according to Bloomberg.

Saudi Arabia has long supported Somalia’s territorial integrity and its fight against the Islamist group Al-Shabaab, though its support has largely been political rather than material. The new pact would represent the first direct effort by Riyadh to strengthen Somalia’s security and military capabilities.

A Somali government spokesperson confirmed that a deal is underway but declined further comment.