Saudi Arabia Moves Toward Military Coalition with Somalia and Egypt
- Fleur Hargreaves
- Jan 17
- 2 min read
Regional realignments intensify amid Red Sea security concerns and Gulf rivalries
Original Author: Fleur Hargreaves
Original Publication: Middle East Eye
Date: January 16, 2026
Curated Excerpt (Fair Use)
Saudi Arabia is moving toward the formation of a new military and security coalition with Somalia and Egypt, a development that signals a major shift in Red Sea geopolitics.
According to reporting cited by Bloomberg, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud is expected to travel to Riyadh to finalize arrangements aimed at enhancing maritime security and military coordination.
The proposed alliance emerges amid escalating tensions between Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Relations between the two Gulf powers have deteriorated following Saudi demands for Emirati troop withdrawals from Yemen and accusations that Abu Dhabi supports separatist movements. Recent Saudi airstrikes on the Yemeni port city of Mukalla, allegedly targeting Emirati-linked arms shipments, marked a sharp public escalation of this rivalry.
Somalia has also entered the dispute by cancelling security and port agreements with the UAE, citing violations of sovereignty. These moves come as Mogadishu reasserts its territorial integrity in response to the UAE’s growing engagement with Somaliland and Puntland, which it considers part of Somalia. Riyadh has aligned itself firmly with Somalia on this issue, condemning Israel’s recognition of Somaliland and signaling support for Somalia’s unity.
Egypt’s involvement adds another layer to the emerging coalition. Intelligence cooperation between Cairo and Riyadh has reportedly intensified, particularly regarding Emirati activities in Yemen. Egyptian officials have framed the effort as part of a broader push toward a regional defensive framework, reflecting concerns over Israeli and Emirati influence.
Together, these developments point toward the emergence of a new Arab-centered security alignment in the Red Sea and Horn of Africa, one that could significantly reshape regional power balances in 2026 and beyond.
About the Author
Fleur Hargreaves is a journalist with Middle East Eye covering Gulf politics, regional security, and shifting power dynamics in the Middle East and Horn of Africa.
This is a curated article from an external publication. All views expressed belong to the original author. Gallaydh.com curates external work to encourage informed discussion and critical engagement.
