Somalia Welcomes Saudi Backing of Counter-Terrorism Pact

GOOBJOOG NEWS | MOGADISHU: Somalia’s National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) has welcomed a Saudi Cabinet decision to ratify a key bilateral agreement aimed at enhancing joint efforts to combat terrorism and its financing.

The agreement, signed in February in Jeddah, formalizes cooperation between Somalia’s NISA and the Saudi Arabian National Security Agency, marking a significant step in regional counter-terrorism collaboration.

NISA chief Abdullahi Mohamed Ali, also known as Sanbaloolshe, said the pact would bolster Somalia’s campaign against militant groups such as the Khawarij, a term used by the government to describe al Shabaab insurgents.

“This agreement will be the backbone of our efforts to defeat the Khawarij and prevent the flow of funds that fuel terrorism,” Ali said in a statement issued by the agency.

The deal is expected to facilitate greater intelligence sharing, joint operations, and coordinated strategies to disrupt financial networks supporting extremist groups.

Somalia, with backing from regional allies, has stepped up military and intelligence operations against al Shabaab, which has waged a deadly insurgency for more than 15 years, aiming to overthrow the government and impose a strict interpretation of Islamic law.

Officials say the Saudi partnership underscores growing international support for Somalia’s national security agenda, as the government seeks to build lasting peace and stability after decades of conflict.