Saudi Arabia’s New Military Role in Somalia Raises Questions Over Its Long Absence

Mogadishu (WDN) – Reports that Saudi Arabia has begun financing military training for thousands of Somali soldiers have sparked debate over Riyadh’s evolving role in Somalia, with many Somalis questioning why the Kingdom is only now taking a more active security role after decades of largely limited engagement.

For years, Somalia endured civil war, state collapse, famine, terrorism, and one of the world’s longest humanitarian crises. Throughout much of that period, many Somalis perceived Saudi Arabia’s involvement as negligible compared with other regional and international partners, despite the Kingdom’s close religious and historical ties with Somalia.

Critics contend that despite the immense human suffering caused by decades of conflict and political instability, Saudi Arabia played limited role in the country’s humanitarian, economic, and political recovery. They argue that the Kingdom made only limited contributions toward rebuilding Somalia’s devastated infrastructure and fragile economy, while also failing to play a meaningful diplomatic role in mediating political disputes or bringing Somalia’s rival leaders together to forge a sustainable peace.

Riyadh’s recent military engagement has prompted questions about what strategic interests are now driving its policy toward Somalia. In February this year, Saudi Arabia and Somalia signed a defense cooperation agreement aimed at strengthening military and security collaboration. Recent reports suggest the agreement is now being implemented.