• Somalia cancelled all agreements with the UAE covering ports, institutions, and security cooperation
• Mogadishu cited sovereignty concerns and alleged destabilizing actions by Abu Dhabi
• Bilateral trade reached $2.22 billion in 2024, according to the International Trade Center

The Somali government said on Monday, January 12, 2026, that it terminated all agreements with the United Arab Emirates covering port operations, government institutions, and cooperation on security and defense. The Somali Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the decision also applies to agreements linked to the ports of Berbera, Bosaso, and Kismayo, as well as collaborations involving federal institutions and member states.

The government said it acted to safeguard Somalia’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and national unity. Authorities denounced what they described as “hostile and destabilizing actions by the United Arab Emirates that threaten Somalia’s independence and political stability, violating international principles of sovereignty.”

These developments unfolded amid broader regional and diplomatic tensions involving Israel. Several media sources reported that the UAE supported Israel’s recent recognition of the self-declared Republic of Somaliland, a territory over which Mogadishu claims sovereignty.

On December 26, 2025, Israel became the first country to officially recognize Somaliland, which declared independence from Somalia in 1991. The Somali government described the move as an “illegal measure” by Israel. Saudi Arabia also accused the UAE of helping a Yemeni separatist flee to Abu Dhabi via the port of Berbera, which Mogadishu described as an “alleged unauthorized use of Somali national airspace and airports.”

Since declaring independence, Somaliland has governed most of the territory it claims but has not obtained international recognition. The United Nations said Somaliland “seeks recognition from the United States, but some analysts warn that such recognition could destabilize the region and strengthen terrorist groups such as Al-Shabab.”

Economic ties between Somalia and the UAE span investment, trade, and security cooperation. The International Trade Center estimated bilateral trade at $2.22 billion in 2024, driven mainly by precious stones, electrical machinery and equipment, and mineral fuels.

This article was initially published in French by Lydie Mobio

Adapted in English by Ange Jason Quenum