Bloomberg reported that Saudi Arabia is finalising an agreement to form a new military alliance with Somalia and Egypt, following Israel’s recognition of the breakaway Somaliland region.
According to Bloomberg, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud is expected to travel to Saudi Arabia soon to conclude the agreement, which aims to strengthen strategic cooperation in Red Sea security, as well as deepen military collaboration. The information was cited from two sources familiar with the matter who spoke to Bloomberg on condition of anonymity.
A spokesperson for the Somali government confirmed that an agreement is being prepared, but declined to provide further details, according to the report.
Bloomberg said that spokespersons for the Saudi government and the Ministry of Defence did not respond to requests for comment. The Egyptian government also did not reply to inquiries regarding the agreement.
Egypt had signed a separate agreement with Mogadishu last year to strengthen relations, develop military cooperation, and reinforce the capacities of the Somali state and its institutions.
On Monday, Somalia decided to cancel all agreements concluded with the United Arab Emirates, including security, defence, and economic agreements, in response to what Abu Dhabi described as steps that undermine the country’s sovereignty, unity, and independence, according to a statement issued by the Somali Council of Ministers.
On 26 December, Israel announced its “official recognition of the Republic of Somaliland as an independent sovereign state”, making Tel Aviv the only entity to recognise Somaliland. The move was met with Arab and international rejection, as it was described as an illegal step that threatens regional security.
Saudi Arabia had mobilised members of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation at the end of last week to reject what it described as the “illegal measure” taken by Israel.
The organisation issued a statement describing the recognition agreement as a “direct threat to peace and security in the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea region”.
