Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has announced the cancellation of all agreements with the United Arab Emirates, citing concerns that the Gulf nation failed to respect Somalia’s sovereignty and national unity.
In a televised address, Mohamud said the federal cabinet approved the termination of agreements spanning economic infrastructure, security and defence cooperation. He explained that although relations with the UAE were initially founded on goodwill, Somalia was not treated as a single, unified state.
“The UAE did not treat us as a single, unified government with sovereignty and independence,” Mohamud said. “We repeatedly requested that they engage with us as one unified Somali government, but this did not happen.”
The president further accused the UAE of sidestepping federal authorities and meddling in Somalia’s internal affairs.
“They even engaged in illegal activities within the country by circumventing the federal government,” he added, noting that some actions were carried out without the full knowledge or approval of authorities in Mogadishu.
The decision comes amid rising regional tensions, particularly after Israel’s recognition of Somaliland, a self-declared breakaway region that Somalia considers part of its sovereign territory. The UAE’s long-standing investments in Somaliland’s Berbera port have heightened concerns in Mogadishu about foreign involvement that could undermine national unity.
Despite the federal government’s stance, at least three Somali regions have publicly opposed cutting ties with the UAE, highlighting persistent internal divisions over foreign relations and partnerships.
Somalia’s leadership maintains that the agreement cancellations are essential to safeguarding national sovereignty, as geopolitical rivalries in the Horn of Africa continue to attract increased regional and international influence.
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