Khaberni - Saudi Arabia is almost finalizing an agreement to form a new military alliance with Somalia and Egypt to counter the regional influence of the United Arab Emirates, according to a Bloomberg news agency report.
According to two sources in the know, the President of Somalia, Hassan Sheikh Mahmoud, will soon travel to Saudi Arabia to finalize the agreement, aimed at enhancing strategic cooperation in the Red Sea security as well as deepening military cooperation.
A spokesperson for the Somali government confirmed that an agreement was in preparation, but declined to provide further comments. Officials from the Saudi government and the Ministry of Defense did not respond to requests for comments. The Egyptian government also did not respond to queries about the agreement.
Saudi Arabia has long been a strong supporter of Somalia's territorial integrity and its struggle against the Islamic movement al-Shabab, although it has not yet provided substantial material support. This new agreement represents its first attempt to directly enhance the security and military of Somalia.
Egypt Strengthens its Military Presence in Somalia
Last year, Egypt signed a separate agreement with Mogadishu to enhance relations, develop military cooperation, and strengthen the capacities of the Somali state and its institutions.
Jerusalem Post newspaper earlier this week cited The National newspaper owned by Abu Dhabi, reporting that Egypt enhanced its military presence in Somalia following Israel's recognition of "Somaliland," fearing Israeli influence in the strategic Horn of Africa region. The sources clarified that the Egyptian force, comprising 10,000 soldiers, was redeployed to counter the growing geopolitical threat.
Cairo considers the Horn of Africa region critical for its national security. It is particularly concerned that Israel might use its new foothold in Somaliland to strengthen its relations with Ethiopia, a country with which Egypt has a longstanding dispute over Nile water rights.
Egypt, which has over 2000 kilometers of coastline on the Red Sea, opposes landlocked countries like Ethiopia from gaining access to this vital waterway.
Egypt has strengthened its alliances with countries such as Somalia and Djibouti, which are members of the Arab League, as well as Eritrea and Kenya. Egypt recently reached agreements to develop Doraleh port in Djibouti, and the port of Assab in Eritrea, both strategically located on the Red Sea. The development aims to increase the capacity of the ports and accommodate Egyptian warships.
Egyptian military analyst Samir Ragab stated: "Somaliland may be the most strategic part of Somalia. It could be used to block Egypt’s access to the Red Sea." He added: "The entire Horn of Africa region is extremely important for Egypt’s national security. If Israel is able to establish a presence in Somaliland, the next step might be undermining or overthrowing the Somali government and securing an outlet to the Red Sea for Ethiopia," according to the Jerusalem Post.
Somalia Cancels All Agreements with the Emirates
On Monday (January 12, 2026), Somalia canceled all agreements signed with the United Arab Emirates amidst tensions following Israel's recognition of Somaliland as a republic, and reports suggesting that the Emiratis used Somali land to assist the chairman of the Southern Transitional Council "separatist" to flee his country via its territory.
A government statement received by Agence France-Presse stated, "After a thorough review of recent developments and within its constitutional authority, the Cabinet has canceled all agreements signed with the United Arab Emirates." The Cabinet clarified in the statement that this decision includes "bilateral agreements on security cooperation and defense," in addition to agreements signed with regional administrations, and "comes in response to credible reports and evidence of malicious steps that undermine the country's sovereignty, national unity, and political independence."
The decision also encompassed "all agreements and cooperation on ports" such as Berbera in Somaliland owned by an Emirati group, and Bosaso (in Puntland in northeastern Somalia), and Kismayo (in Jubaland in southwestern Somalia).
The Republic of Somaliland, a breakaway state in northwestern Somalia,
Many experts believe that the UAE was behind Israel's recent recognition of the unilaterally declared Republic of Somaliland, which Mogadishu claims sovereignty over.
