Somalia
Qatar donated 68 armoured vehicles to Somalia on Thursday, Qatar’s defence ministry said, a sign that Doha is pushing for influence in the country with the role of its Gulf rival, the United Arab Emirates, under strain.
Somalia, a Horn of Africa country located on key shipping routes, has refused to take sides in the rift between Qatar and Saudi Arabia, a UAE ally.
But relations with the UAE have become strained over the UAE’s investments in the breakaway region of Somaliland. In April, Somalia disbanded a UAE program to train some of its troops.
Qatar’s defence ministry said the armoured vehicles, delivered on Thursday in Mogadishu, would strengthen the Somali state, which is battling an Islamist insurgency.
REUTERS
00:55
Qatar's Lusail stadium attains sustainability goals
01:16
Moroccans react to sacking of coach Vahid Halilhodzic
01:45
Chad: Mixed reactions over Qatar peace talk deal
Go to video
Meet rebel groups in Chad's peace deal
01:14
Chad military govt agrees to launch peace talks with opposition
01:25
Signing of Chad peace deal expected after months of talks in Qatar