Somalia and Qatar Discuss Strengthening Security and Defence Cooperation
DOHA, Qatar — Somali Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre met Qatar’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defence Affairs, Sheikh Saud bin Abdulrahman bin Hassan Al Thani, in Doha on Monday, as the two sides discussed security, defence and ways to deepen bilateral cooperation.
The meeting took place on August 31, 2026, during Prime Minister Hamza’s official visit to Qatar. According to Somalia’s government, the talks focused on strengthening security and defence ties between Mogadishu and Doha, as well as cooperation against cross-border security threats.
Prime Minister Hamza briefed Sheikh Saud on Somalia’s security situation and the government’s ongoing military operations against Al-Shabaab. Somali authorities said he also highlighted progress in efforts to improve security in major cities and strengthen the capabilities of the country’s security forces.
Sheikh Saud, for his part, expressed Qatar’s continued support for Somalia and its readiness to expand cooperation between the two countries in various areas.
No new military agreement, specific arms package or additional defence assistance was announced following the meeting.
Qatar’s official records identify Sheikh Saud bin Abdulrahman bin Hassan Al Thani as the country’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defence Affairs. Qatar’s Ministry of Defence also reported in March 2026 that Sheikh Saud held a phone call with Somali Defence Minister Ahmed Macallin Fiqi, during which the two discussed regional security developments and bilateral defence cooperation.
The latest meeting comes amid growing security and defence engagement between Somalia and Qatar. In January 2026, Sheikh Saud met Defence Minister Fiqi in Doha on the sidelines of the DIMDEX 2026 defence exhibition. Qatar’s state news agency reported at the time that the two sides signed a defence cooperation agreement aimed at strengthening ties between their respective defence institutions.
Prime Minister Hamza’s visit has also included high-level talks with Qatar’s leadership. On August 30, he met Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani. Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the meeting included discussions on bilateral relations and that the Qatari emir had received a written message from Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud concerning the strengthening and expansion of ties between the two countries.
The relationship between Somalia and Qatar has expanded in recent years across security, defence, economic cooperation and support for Somalia’s state institutions. Security cooperation has remained an important component of the relationship as Somalia continues its campaign against Al-Shabaab and works to strengthen its national security institutions.
Monday’s meeting therefore forms part of a broader series of high-level engagements between Mogadishu and Doha. However, neither government has announced a new specific defence agreement or military assistance package resulting directly from the latest talks.
