Somalia has cancelled all cooperation agreements with the United Arab Emirates, citing concerns over national sovereignty, unity and political independence.
The decision was announced by the Council of Ministers and confirmed by Defence Minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi, who said in a post on X that the move was based on “reliable reports and evidence indicating practices linked to the United Arab Emirates that undermine the sovereignty of the Somali Republic, its national unity and political independence”.
Analysts link the move to regional tensions following Israel’s recognition of Somaliland in December 2025 — a self-declared state that Somalia considers part of its territory.
Key developments:
• Somalia annulled UAE deals covering ports, security and defence.
• Abdinor Dahir, Somalia analyst, said the move is widely viewed as a diplomatic pushback against Emirati influence in breakaway regions.
• The UAE denies backing separatist or armed groups and has reaffirmed support for Somalia’s sovereignty.
• DP World holds a 30-year concession at Berbera port in Somaliland.
• Somaliland’s Presidency Minister Khadar Hussein Abdi rejected Mogadishu’s authority.
ℹ️ Al Jazeera
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