MOGADISHU, Somalia— Somalia announced plans to strengthen defense cooperation with Egypt and Saudi Arabia amid growing regional security concerns and foreign interference.
The effort focuses on protecting strategic Red Sea and Gulf of Aden maritime routes while responding to Israel recognizing Somaliland, Somalia’s territorial integrity threatened.
Somalia’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ali Omar, said the government seeks a sustainable framework with Riyadh and Cairo for regional security.
Omar said Israel’s decision has serious strategic consequences, affecting global trade and contributing to instability from Yemen to Sudan and surrounding Horn of Africa.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recognized Somaliland as an independent state on Dec. 26, which Somalia immediately condemned as illegal and violating its sovereignty.
Omar praised Arab nations’ principled rejection of Israel’s recognition, particularly Saudi Arabia, emphasizing Somalia’s commitment to maintaining regional alliances without forming new political blocs.
Somalia seeks structured security cooperation focused on shared responsibility, collective defense, and confronting threats including terrorism, piracy, and foreign interference across strategic maritime and territorial zones.
Omar identified Egypt and Saudi Arabia as natural partners due to their influence, regional interests, and vested stake in protecting the Red Sea shipping.
Somalia continues military operations against insurgent groups amid economic and political challenges, while pursuing diplomatic measures to secure support and reinforce national territorial control.
Although threats persist, Omar rejected claims that al-Shabab or Islamic State affiliates signify governmental failure, asserting Mogadishu is safer than during earlier civil conflict periods.
Al-Shabab remains an al-Qaida–linked insurgent group, while Islamic State fighters continue hiding in northeastern Somalia, posing ongoing security challenges across remote and strategic regions of the country.