Somalia and Qatar signed a defense cooperation agreement, marking a strategic pivot in Mogadishu’s security partnerships following the termination of contracts with the United Arab Emirates. The agreement was formalized on the opening day of the Doha International Maritime Defence Exhibition and Conference (DIMDEX 2026).
According to the Somali Ministry of Defense, the accord focuses on military training, expertise sharing, capability development, and closer security collaboration between the two countries. Officials said the measures are intended to strengthen Somalia’s defense infrastructure and contribute to broader regional stability.
“The agreement reflects a shared commitment to long-term defense, security, and military cooperation,” the ministry said in a statement. “It further solidifies strategic relations between Somalia and Qatar and provides a framework for technical collaboration, training programs, and capability development.”
Diversifying Security Partnerships
The move comes several months after Somalia ended its defense and security contracts with the United Arab Emirates, a key partner for military and logistical support over the past decade. Analysts view the agreement with Qatar as part of Mogadishu’s broader strategy to diversify security partnerships, reducing reliance on a single foreign power and enhancing operational flexibility.
Qatar, in turn, gains a strategic foothold in a region adjacent to the maritime corridors of the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea—critical routes for global shipping and trade. The partnership also aligns with Doha’s broader regional defense engagement strategy, which has included security cooperation with several countries across the Middle East and Africa.
Security Context in Somalia
Somalia continues to grapple with armed conflict, primarily between government forces and the Al Shabaab militant group. According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), around 40,000 people were newly displaced in August 2025 due to conflict, with 32,000 of those linked directly to Al Shabaab attacks.
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The agreement with Qatar is expected to enhance Somalia’s military capabilities, including training programs for personnel, improvements in operational readiness, and technical support in areas such as intelligence sharing and force modernization. While no specific troop deployments or equipment transfers were disclosed, the memorandum lays the groundwork for ongoing bilateral cooperation.
Comparative Military Capacity
Somalia’s military capacity remains limited. According to the 2025 Global Firepower Index, Somalia ranks 142nd among 145 countries in overall military strength, reflecting resource constraints, logistical challenges, and ongoing insurgency pressures. Qatar, by comparison, ranks 72nd globally, with a relatively well-equipped and technologically advanced force. This disparity highlights the potential benefits Somalia may derive from technical assistance and training under the new agreement.
Observers note that the partnership could strengthen Somalia’s ability to maintain territorial integrity and secure critical infrastructure, particularly in coastal areas vulnerable to piracy and militant activity. By diversifying its defense relationships, Somalia also aims to signal regional and international partners its commitment to responsible security governance.
Looking Ahead
While the agreement is largely strategic and technical at this stage, it underscores Mogadishu’s evolving defense policy amid a complex regional security environment. Future cooperation could include joint exercises, expanded military training, and advisory support in areas such as border security, counterterrorism, and maritime defense.
For Qatar, the partnership strengthens its regional influence and provides opportunities to contribute to stabilization efforts in the Horn of Africa, a region of growing geopolitical significance. For Somalia, the deal represents an important step toward modernizing its military and reducing reliance on a single external partner while addressing persistent security threats that impact civilian populations.
