Somalia has announced the cancellation of all agreements with the United Arab Emirates, citing what it described as compelling evidence of actions that undermine the country’s sovereignty and territorial unity.
The decision covers partnerships linked to three major ports as well as bilateral security and defence cooperation. According to Somali officials, the fallout stems in part from the UAE’s perceived backing of Israel’s recent recognition of Somaliland as an independent state.
Somalia’s Information Minister, Daud Aweis Aden Duale, said the Council of Ministers exercised its constitutional authority to revoke all existing agreements with the UAE following a review of recent developments.
Authorities in Mogadishu stated that the annulment applies to all federal institutions, affiliated agencies, and regional administrations, including agreements related to the ports of Berbera, Bosaso, and Kismayo.
The move also follows claims by the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen that the UAE facilitated the departure of a separatist leader through Berbera. Somalia described the incident as an alleged unauthorised use of its national airspace and airports.
The UAE has constructed and operates a deep-water port and military base in Berbera, located in the self-declared republic of Somaliland.
The Somali cabinet has instructed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to formally notify the UAE of the cancellations, oversee their implementation, and brief international and regional partners.
Somalia reiterated its openness to international cooperation, provided it is based on mutual respect, recognition of the country’s unity and sovereignty, and adherence to constitutional and international law.
Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 but remained unrecognised internationally until last month, when Israel became the first country to acknowledge it, triggering widespread diplomatic backlash.
