Somalia’s government announced on Monday the annulment of all agreements with the United Arab Emirates, including port deals and security cooperation, citing actions that undermine its sovereignty. The Council of Ministers stated that this decision is based on credible reports of hostile actions threatening the country’s territorial integrity and political independence.
The annulment affects agreements related to the ports of Berbera, Bosaso, and Kismayo, as well as bilateral security and defense cooperation. The UAE’s foreign ministry has yet to respond to the announcement. This follows Somalia’s investigation into allegations that the UAE facilitated the escape of a separatist leader from Yemen to Somalia, which Somalia deemed a serious violation of its sovereignty.
The UAE has established significant economic and security ties with Somaliland, a breakaway region of Somalia, notably through a $442 million investment by DP World to develop the Port of Berbera. Last month, Israel recognized Somaliland’s independence, a move reportedly facilitated by Abu Dhabi.
Somalia’s Council of Ministers emphasized that it remains open to cooperation that respects the country’s unity.
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