Thursday May 15, 2025
Members of Somalia’s Council of Ministers attend a cabinet meeting in Mogadishu, Somalia, on May 15, 2025. The session, chaired by Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre, approved a new security cooperation agreement between Somalia and Saudi Arabia aimed at boosting military coordination and counterterrorism efforts.
Mogadishu (HOL) — Somalia’s cabinet has approved a new security agreement on Thursday with Saudi Arabia to boost military cooperation, enhance intelligence sharing, and jointly combat terrorism across the Horn of Africa and the Gulf region.
The memorandum of understanding, submitted by Somalia’s Ministry of Defence and endorsed during a cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre, establishes a framework for bilateral coordination on defence strategy, counterinsurgency, and capacity-building for Somali forces.
Government officials say the agreement is part of Somalia’s effort to strengthen ties with Gulf countries and seek reliable partners in addressing persistent threats from al-Shabaab and ISIS. The pact also outlines mechanisms for joint operations, personnel training, and intelligence exchanges.
The agreement comes as Somalia continues to restructure its national security apparatus with support from foreign allies and international partners.
“Our partnership is a powerful step toward improving our regional security posture,” a Somali government spokesperson said. “It reflects our shared commitment with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to ensuring long-term peace and stability.”
Somali officials view the deal as a strategic milestone that could serve as a foundation for future cooperation beyond security, including trade and cultural exchange.
In addition to approving the agreement, Thursday’s cabinet meeting reviewed updates on the security situation, including recent military gains against al-Shabaab, preparations for the upcoming Hajj pilgrimage, and a briefing from a committee coordinating battlefield support against terrorist groups operating in Somalia.