Somalia has entered into a military cooperation agreement with Saudi Arabia, marking another step in Mogadishu’s efforts to bolster alliances in the face of escalating tensions in the Horn of Africa.

The memorandum was signed by Somalia’s Defense Minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi and Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz during a meeting in Riyadh. The pact is designed to enhance defense and military collaboration, covering shared interests that align with both nations’ strategic goals.

Details of the agreement remain limited, but it follows a similar defense accord Somalia reached with Qatar last month, which emphasized military training, knowledge sharing, capability building, and regional security enhancements.

These diplomatic moves come against the backdrop of increased regional friction, particularly after Israel’s unprecedented recognition of Somaliland’s independence. Somali officials have expressed concerns over potential Israeli military presence in the breakaway region, viewing it as a threat to stability and vowing to oppose any such developments.

Somalia has stated it will not permit foreign bases that could endanger its sovereignty or neighboring countries, promising to defend against perceived intrusions.

In related developments, Somalia recently terminated all pacts with the United Arab Emirates, accusing the Gulf nation of actions that compromise its unity and independence. This decision aligns with reports of UAE involvement in facilitating Israel’s engagement with Somaliland.

The UAE, which has maintained significant economic and security links in the area, including port operations, has faced criticism amid broader regional disputes, including tensions with Saudi Arabia over issues in Yemen and Sudan.

Saudi Arabia has condemned foreign meddling in Sudan, highlighting the influx of weapons and fighters prolonging conflict there, without specifying involved parties.

These alliances underscore Somalia’s push for stronger partnerships to safeguard its interests amid complex geopolitical dynamics in the region.

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The statement followed growing international debate after Israel announced its recognition of the breakaway region. Somaliland declared independence more than three decades ago but remains unrecognised by the international community.

UK officials said Britain continues to support a unified Somalia and urged diplomatic engagement to address regional challenges.

The UK position aligns with that of several other nations that have expressed concern that recognising Somaliland could undermine stability in the Horn of Africa.

Somalia has welcomed the UK’s stance, saying it reinforces international law and respect for sovereignty.

The issue has gained renewed attention following discussions at the United Nations Security Council, where member states expressed differing views on recognition and self determination.

The UK said it remains committed to working with Somalia and regional partners to promote peace, security and development.

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Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said on Sunday that the federal government plans to reassess TPS for Somalia, describing the programme as a temporary measure that has been in place for more than 30 years. According to her, TPS was designed to respond to major crises for a limited period, not to function as a long-term asylum pathway.

Her comments come just days after President Donald Trump declared that he would “immediately” revoke TPS protections for Somalis living in Minnesota. His announcement ignited widespread fear within Minnesota’s Somali community — the largest in the United States — and raised legal questions about whether the White House has the authority to implement such a targeted directive.

Advocates and immigration experts swiftly pushed back, saying the president cannot single out one group or one state for punitive action. They argued that the move was driven more by political rhetoric than policy, warning that it could fuel hostility toward Somali and Muslim residents at a time when Islamophobia is rising.

Although the rhetoric has created panic, the number of Somalis currently covered by TPS is very small — just over 700 nationwide. Most Somali Americans are either naturalized citizens or hold other forms of legal status. Minnesota Representative Ilhan Omar emphasized this point, noting that the majority of Somali residents in the US would not be affected.

Still, community leaders say the danger lies beyond legal paperwork. They worry the announcement could embolden discrimination, especially after Trump claimed — without evidence — that Somali gangs were targeting Minnesota residents. Minnesota’s governor dismissed the allegations and pointed out that the state consistently ranks among the safest in the country.

The debate over Somalia’s TPS designation is part of a wider shift toward tougher immigration policies. The administration has already moved to roll back protections for Venezuelans, Haitians, Cubans, Syrians, and other groups previously allowed to live and work legally in the US.

Somalia’s TPS status remains valid until March 2026, meaning any decision to revoke it must be announced at least 60 days in advance. That gives the administration until mid-January to determine whether the designation will continue nationwide.

For now, Somali families in Minnesota and beyond are left waiting — and hoping — as political tensions rise around their future in the country many now call home.

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Witnesses reported heavy explosions and gunfire as militants disguised as soldiers stormed the facility on Saturday evening, attempting to free imprisoned members of their group. Authorities confirmed that none of the inmates escaped and that all the attackers were neutralized.

A witness, Halima Hassan, described fleeing in fear when the fighting erupted. Ambulances rushed nearly 25 wounded individuals to hospitals, though the exact number of casualties among security forces remains unclear.

The attack came just hours after the government removed long-standing roadblocks across Mogadishu—measures originally put in place to protect key government buildings.

The African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia condemned the raid, calling it a cowardly act that shows al-Shabab’s disregard for human life and its efforts to undermine Somalia’s progress toward peace and stability.

Mogadishu had enjoyed a relative period of peace as government troops, supported by local militias and African Union forces, pushed al-Shabab fighters out of key regions in central and southern Somalia.

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