Mogadishu(The COW News Digital)Somalia has announced the termination of all agreements with the United Arab Emirates related to ports, security, and defense cooperation, marking a major shift in diplomatic relations between the two countries. The decision was made following a meeting of Somalia’s Council of Ministers, according to officials.
Somalia’s Defence Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi confirmed the move in a statement posted on social media platform X, saying the government acted after reviewing evidence suggesting that certain actions by the UAE were harmful to Somalia’s sovereignty, national unity, and political independence.
The Somali government said it possesses credible reports and documentation indicating that Emirati involvement had undermined the country’s state authority and territorial integrity. Officials emphasized that safeguarding sovereignty remains a top priority for the federal government.
Read More:
- US Navy Seizes Russian Vessel Evading Venezuela Blockade
- UK and France Agree on Troop Deployment for Ukraine
- White House Says Military Option Open for Greenland
Images released from the presidential palace showed President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud addressing an emergency joint session of parliament to brief lawmakers on the decision. During his address, the president reportedly underscored the importance of national unity and warned against foreign interference in Somalia’s internal affairs.
As of now, the United Arab Emirates has not issued any official response to Somalia’s announcement.
Analysts believe the decision is closely linked to rising geopolitical tensions in the Horn of Africa. A key factor cited is the status of Somaliland, a self-declared autonomous region that announced independence from Somalia in 1991 but has not received international recognition.
Somalia maintains that Somaliland is an integral part of its sovereign territory. Recent reports suggesting Israel’s recognition of Somaliland have further complicated the situation. According to independent analyst Abdulnour Daher, there is a growing perception among Somali officials and the public that the UAE played a behind-the-scenes role in supporting moves that weaken Somalia’s territorial claims.
Over the past decade, Somaliland has become a focal point for Emirati commercial and security investments. UAE-based logistics company DP World holds a 30-year concession to operate the Berbera Port, a strategically located facility near the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. The port has been viewed as a critical asset in regional trade and maritime security.
The cancellation of agreements could have broader implications for regional stability and international trade routes, particularly given Somalia’s strategic location along key shipping lanes.
Observers say the move signals Somalia’s intent to reassert control over its political and economic affairs while sending a clear message to external actors. How the UAE responds, and whether diplomatic channels remain open, will be closely watched in the coming days.
