The Federal Government of Somalia has officially cancelled all bilateral agreements with the United Arab Emirates (UAE), marking a significant turning point in the country’s foreign relations and regional diplomacy. The decision, announced by the Council of Ministers, is being described as a move to protect Somalia’s sovereignty and political independence.
According to government officials, the cancellation covers all security, military, economic, and port-related agreements that were previously signed between Mogadishu and Abu Dhabi. Somalia accused the UAE of actions that undermine its national sovereignty, including engaging with regional administrations without federal approval and carrying out activities that bypass the authority of the central government.
“This decision is about defending Somalia’s unity, independence, and constitutional order,” government sources said, stressing that no foreign state should operate in the country without the consent of the federal authorities.
The move immediately sparked reactions across the country. Regional administrations including Somaliland, Puntland, and Jubbaland rejected Mogadishu’s decision and announced they would continue their existing partnerships with the UAE. These regions maintain strong economic and security ties with Abu Dhabi, particularly in port development and trade projects.
This disagreement highlights the deep political divide between Somalia’s federal government and its regional states, where foreign relations and economic agreements have long been a source of tension.
The UAE has played a major role in Somalia’s port and security sectors over the years. Emirati companies have invested heavily in ports such as Berbera and Bosaso, transforming them into key trade and logistics hubs. The UAE has also provided military training and support in Somalia’s fight against extremist groups.
With the cancellation now in effect, analysts warn that Somalia could face economic and security challenges. The end of Emirati cooperation may slow down infrastructure development and complicate security operations, especially in areas dependent on foreign support.
Reports also indicate that the UAE has begun withdrawing some of its equipment and personnel from Somalia, signaling that the diplomatic break is already having real consequences on the ground.
The decision comes amid growing geopolitical competition in the Horn of Africa, where Gulf states and other global powers are vying for influence. Somalia’s move is widely seen as an attempt to reposition itself and reduce what it views as harmful external interference in its internal affairs.
For many Somalis, this moment represents a bold assertion of sovereignty. For others, it raises concerns about economic stability and regional cooperation. What remains clear is that Somalia’s relationship with the UAE has entered a new and uncertain phase, one that could reshape the country’s political and diplomatic landscape in the months ahead.
