Somalia Signs Defense Agreement with Qatar After Ending UAE Cooperation

Somalia has signed a defense cooperation agreement with Qatar, days after terminating all security and defense arrangements with the United Arab Emirates, the Somali state news agency SONA reported.

The agreement was signed in Doha by Somali Defence Minister Ahmed Muallem Fiki and Qatari Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defence Affairs Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman bin Hassan Al Thani, SONA said. It establishes a framework for military training, exchange of expertise, capacity building and enhanced security cooperation aimed at supporting regional peace and stability.

Officials from both countries described the pact as a strengthening of strategic ties and a demonstration of their commitment to long‑term defence collaboration. The agreement, they said, will focus on training programs, joint exercises and institutional support to bolster Somalia’s defence capabilities.

The signing followed a decision by the Somali Council of Ministers to terminate all bilateral security and defence agreements and understandings with the United Arab Emirates. The cabinet said the move was taken “to preserve the unity, territorial integrity and constitutional order of the Federal Republic of Somalia,” and declared previous agreements with the Emirates null and void.

The development coincides with reports that the UAE has begun withdrawing personnel and military equipment from bases in Bosaso and other locations in Somalia after the termination of the agreements.