Saudi–Egypt–Somalia military bloc 'taking shape' amid regional tensions

Saudi Arabia has concluded talks with Egypt and Somalia on the formation of a new military bloc, amid efforts to curb the UAE's influence in the region, and in response to Israel’s recognition of Somaliland, according to a report.

According to Bloomberg on Friday, citing two people familiar with the matter, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud is expected to travel to Saudi Arabia soon to finalise the agreement.  

The proposed pact intends to strengthen strategic cooperation on Red Sea security and deepen military collaboration between the three countries.  

Saudi, Somali and Egyptian officials have yet to publicly comment on the report. 

The development comes amid rising tensions between Somalia and the United Arab Emirates.  

Earlier this week, Mogadishu announced it was cancelling all agreements with the UAE, including port, defence and security deals, accusing Abu Dhabi of undermining Somalia’s sovereignty.  

The decision followed claims that the UAE had facilitated the transfer of Aidarous al-Zubaidi, the head of the UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council, out of Yemen via Somali territory. 

Bloomberg also reported that Saudi officials have been pressing the Somali government to scale back its ties with the UAE, as a rift between the two Gulf states has intensified.  

Tensions have grown since UAE-backed separatist forces swept through parts of southern Yemen, including the port city of Aden, advancing towards the Saudi border. 

The UAE has also been widely viewed as quietly backing Israel’s decision on 26 December to recognise Somaliland. The move made Israel the first country to do so since Somaliland unilaterally declared independence from Somalia in 1991.

Axios previously reported that the diplomatic move was facilitated by Abu Dhabi. 

Israel’s recognition of Somaliland has also prompted Egypt to broaden its military mission in Somalia, according to a report by the Abu Dhabi-based outlet The National on Wednesday.  

Citing Egyptian officials, the report said Cairo fears Israel’s growing engagement with Horn of Africa countries poses a serious threat to Egypt’s national security, particularly if it strengthens ties with Ethiopia. 

Egypt, which has more than 2,000 kilometres of Red Sea coastline, strongly opposes landlocked countries such as Ethiopia gaining access to the waterway. 

Cairo has long been embroiled in a dispute with Addis Ababa over Nile water rights. 

In recent years, Egypt has expanded its regional alliances, strengthening ties with Somalia and Djibouti - both members of the Arab League - as well as Eritrea and Kenya.  

Mogadishu also condemned a 2024 agreement between Somaliland and Ethiopia that granted Addis Ababa access to the Red Sea.