Somalia is urging a formal security alliance with Saudi Arabia and Egypt to counter Red Sea threats, militant violence and foreign interference, while condemning Israel’s recognition of Somaliland.
Somalia’s cabinet has annulled all agreements with the UAE, ending military, security and port deals amid sovereignty concerns, and reinforcing a flight ban that reshapes Horn of Africa–Gulf relations.
Somalia has received new weapons, armored vehicles and systems from Turkey, Egypt and Serbia, boosting the Somali National Army as it shifts from peacekeeper reliance to national security control.
Somalia has endorsed a Saudi-led initiative to host a Yemeni national dialogue conference in Riyadh, highlighting regional concerns over Yemen’s conflict and its impact on Red Sea and Horn of Africa security.
Foreign Policy warns that escalating rhetoric and troop deployments have sharply raised the risk of renewed war between Ethiopia and Eritrea in 2026, threatening civilians and Red Sea stability.
Somalia has reaffirmed support for Yemen’s unity and Saudi-led efforts, warning against threats to Red Sea and Gulf of Aden shipping amid rising regional tensions.
Yemen’s Houthi leader Abdul Malik al-Houthi warned that any Israeli presence in Somaliland will be treated as a military target after Israel recognised the breakaway region, raising tensions in the Horn of Africa.