The United Arab Emirates’ reported construction of a new elite military unit, reminiscent of the French Foreign Legion, marks a significant departure in its defense strategy. Led by a former French special forces officer, this force is set to comprise at least 3,000 foreign recruits, aiming to bolster the Emirates’ military capabilities. Managed by an Abu Dhabi company, the recruitment process promises well-paid jobs, signaling a notable shift in the UAE’s approach. This force, dubbed the Emirati Foreign Legion, is purportedly destined for deployment in Yemen and Somalia, where the UAE has vested interests amid significant security challenges.
The UAE’s engagement in East Africa has long been a cornerstone of its foreign policy, encompassing military training, infrastructure projects, and humanitarian endeavors. Analysts suggest that these plans align with the UAE’s broader goal of projecting power and countering threats across the region, particularly from Iran-aligned groups like the Houthi movement and terrorist factions such as Al Shabaab.
However, the UAE’s military operations and alliances in the region have not been without controversy. Its support for groups like the Rapid Support Forces in Sudan has drawn international scrutiny and criticism. Furthermore, the establishment of the Emirati Foreign Legion raises questions about the evolving nature of international military cooperation and the growing role of private military contracting.
This move also comes at a time of shifting regional dynamics, including Somalia’s defense agreement with Turkey and Ethiopia’s engagement with Somaliland, which could challenge the UAE’s strategic ambitions. Reactions to this development have been mixed, with countries like France reportedly monitoring the situation closely amid concerns about its implications for regional security and international norms.
