Saudi Arabia is in advanced discussions to establish a new military coalition with Egypt and Somalia, signalling a strategic realignment in the Red Sea and Horn of Africa region.

The proposed pact, reported by multiple sources, is being crafted to deepen defence cooperation among the three states and address shared security concerns, particularly maritime threats and regional rivalries.

Saudi and Somali officials are expected to formalise the agreement in the coming days, with Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud anticipated to travel to Riyadh to conclude the deal.

The initiative corresponds with broader efforts by Riyadh and Cairo to counter the growing influence of the United Arab Emirates and Israel in the region, particularly following diplomatic developments such as Israel’s recognition of Somaliland, which has provoked tensions with Mogadishu.

Under the emerging coalition framework, the partners would enhance strategic coordination on Red Sea security, intelligence sharing and joint military planning.

While senior officials from Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Somalia have not yet issued public statements on the pact, regional analysts view the move as an assertive step by Riyadh to consolidate its role as a security provider in key maritime corridors and to buttress allied capitals against competing external influences.

The reported coalition builds on existing bilateral defence cooperation; Cairo and Mogadishu have expanded military ties in recent months, emphasising capacity-building and regional stability.

The developments unfold amid broader geopolitical shifts, including disagreements between Gulf states and contestation over influence in East Africa and the Middle East, underscoring how security arrangements are evolving in response to competing strategic interests.