Somalia has officially cancelled all agreements with the United Arab Emirates, citing evidence that Abu Dhabi is undermining the country’s sovereignty, national unity, and political independence. The decision follows the UAE’s perceived support for Israel’s controversial recognition of Somaliland, the self-declared breakaway region in northern Somalia. Israel became the first nation to recognize Somaliland as independent last month, triggering international criticism and strong objections from Mogadishu.
Abu Dhabi maintains a deep-water port and a military base in Berbera, Somaliland’s principal city. Somali authorities also allege that the UAE facilitated the unauthorized transit of a Yemeni separatist through Berbera, which they described as a breach of Somalia’s airspace and national security. The cancellation affects all federal, regional, and related agencies, including bilateral security and defense agreements, as well as cooperation in major ports such as Berbera, Bosaso, and Kismayo.
Somaliland declared independence in 1991 but had remained unrecognized internationally until Israel’s recent move. Somalia’s government insists the territory is an integral part of the country and has vowed to defend its territorial integrity.
