The Somali government has cancelled all agreements with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) amid rising diplomatic tensions linked to national sovereignty and regional security concerns.
In a statement on Monday, Somalia’s Council of Ministers said it had annulled all bilateral deals with the UAE, including security and defence cooperation agreements, citing “credible reports and compelling evidence” of actions undermining the country’s sovereignty, territorial unity and political independence.
Relations between both countries have deteriorated following reports that the UAE supported Israel’s recognition of Somaliland, the self-declared republic that broke away from Somalia in 1991. The UAE operates a major deep-water port and military base in Berbera, located in Somaliland.
Tensions also escalated after allegations that the UAE assisted Yemeni separatist leader Aidarous Al-Zubaidi to flee via Berbera and Mogadishu to Abu Dhabi. Somalia’s immigration authorities said they were investigating the alleged unauthorised use of its airspace and airports.
While the Somali government did not directly reference Somaliland or the reported escape in its announcement, it maintained that the decision followed a thorough assessment of recent developments.
