Somalia Cancels Port and Security Agreements with UAE

Tuesday, 13 January 2026 | Web Desk

Somalia has announced the cancellation of all port, security, and defense agreements with the United Arab Emirates, citing actions that “undermine its sovereignty, national unity, and political independence.”

The decision was declared by Defense Minister Ahmed Maalem Fiqi following a Council of Ministers meeting. In a statement posted on social media platform X, Fiqi stated that the Somali government possesses “reliable reports and evidence” that the UAE has played a role in weakening the state sovereignty and unity of Somalia.

As of now, no official reaction has been issued by the UAE.

Background and Key Reasons

Analysts point to the long-standing issue of Somaliland as the primary catalyst for this drastic move. Somaliland, a region that declared independence from Somalia in 1991, considers itself an independent state but lacks international recognition. Somalia maintains that the region is an integral part of its sovereign territory.

Tensions escalated after Israel extended recognition to Somaliland. A perception has grown within the Somali public and government that the UAE played a behind-the-scenes role in facilitating or supporting this recognition, although no concrete evidence has been publicly presented by Somalia.

Deepening UAE-Somaliland Ties

Over the past decade, Somaliland has become a significant hub for UAE trade and security investments. Emirati multinational DP World holds a 30-year concession for the strategic Port of Berbera, located near the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.

The Mogadishu federal government has repeatedly expressed concern that increasing UAE activities in Somaliland and other autonomous regions challenge its federal authority.

Regional Complications: The Yemen Connection

Further complicating the situation are recent reports that Aidarus al-Zoubaidi, head of Yemen’s Southern Transitional Council (STC) – a secessionist group – traveled to the UAE via Berbera port on January 8th. This visit highlighted the complex regional alliances at play.

The STC is a key player in Yemen’s civil war and is backed by the UAE, while Saudi Arabia, a fellow coalition member against the Houthis, opposes the group’s separatist ambitions. This has reportedly caused strain in Saudi-UAE bilateral relations and now intersects with Somalia’s national security concerns.

Regional Repercussions

Somalia’s decision underscores the fragile nature of sovereignty in the Horn of Africa and how regional power competitions can exacerbate internal divisions. The move severs a major security and economic partnership and reflects Mogadishu’s hardening stance against external engagements with breakaway regions.

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The international community is watching closely, as this development could reshape security and economic dynamics in the strategically vital Red Sea and Gulf of Aden region.