Somalia cancels all agreements with UAE

MOGADISHU - The Somali Council of Ministers announced Monday a dramatic decision to cancel all existing agreements with the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

This sweeping move covers bilateral security and defense cooperation, port operations, and other partnerships, marking one of the most significant ruptures in recent Horn of Africa geopolitics.

The government's official statement cited "credible reports and compelling evidence" of actions by the UAE that undermine Somalia's national sovereignty, territorial unity, and political independence.

Defense Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi reaffirmed the government’s statement on social platform X, saying that the decision protects the Somali Republic from harmful external interference.

The termination explicitly includes all agreements related to the ports of Berbera (in Somaliland), Bosaso (in Puntland), and Kismayo (in Jubaland), and bilateral security and defense cooperation agreements, which since 2023 had allowed UAE support for rebuilding Somali security forces and unrestricted access to Somali airspace.

This decision follows closely on the heels of Somalia banning UAE military and cargo flights, which prompted the UAE to begin withdrawing personnel and equipment from bases like Bosaso.

The rift stems from long-standing grievances, intensified by recent events, and Israel's recognition of Somaliland (a self-declared independent region since 1991) in late 2025, which many in Mogadishu believe was facilitated by the UAE.

The UAE has deep investments in Somaliland, including a 30-year concession for Berbera port operated by DP World and military/security ties.

There were also allegations that the UAE used Somali territory (via Berbera and Mogadishu) to facilitate the escape of Aidarous al-Zubaidi, leader of Yemen's UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council (STC), after he skipped Saudi-led peace talks. Saudi Arabia accused the UAE of smuggling him out, prompting Somalia to investigate unauthorized use of its airspace and airports.

Mogadishu has also broader concerns about UAE influence in Somalia's autonomous and breakaway regions, seen as consolidating power outside federal control and supporting separatist or non-state actors.

Somalia said it remains open to cooperation based on respect for its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Somaliland officials dismissed the decision as irrelevant "daydreaming," insisting Berbera port deals are with Somaliland authorities (not the federal government) and that the UAE remains a trusted partner.

Analysts say that the Berbera concession may remain legally intact as a commercial agreement signed by DP World and Somaliland authorities.