Saudi Arabia accused of using foreign mercenaries to train Somali fighters

 Media and military sources have alleged that Saudi Arabia has overseen the training of more than 5,000 Somali fighters in the Guri Jebel area of Somalia's Galguduud region, using foreign mercenaries reportedly brought in from Romania, Ukraine, South Africa and Colombia.

According to the reports, the nine-month training programme involves 5,107 Somali recruits, including about 2,000 from the country's Northeastern Region, and is said to be financed directly by Saudi Arabia following a visit by a Saudi military delegation late last June.

The reports further claim that attention is shifting to the possible deployment of some of the foreign mercenaries to Sudan, where Saudi Arabia is alleged to be financing and arming extremist militias.

Separately, Intelligence Online reportedly claimed that Saudi Arabia supplied the Sudanese Army with advanced missile systems and large quantities of ammunition during 2023 and 2024. The publication also alleged that Ukrainian mercenaries trained Sudanese artillery personnel and allied forces, citing photographs and videos purportedly taken in Sudan in 2023.

The reports conclude by raising concerns that the programme could contribute to the spread of extremist activities across Africa, alleging that some trainees are being indoctrinated with jihadist ideology for future combat operations in Somalia, Sudan and other countries.