Somalia’s government announced on Monday that it has annulled all agreements with the United Arab Emirates, including port concessions and defence and security cooperation, accusing Abu Dhabi of actions that undermine the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. The Council of Ministers said the decision was based on “credible reports and compelling evidence” of hostile acts affecting Somalia’s political independence and national unity.
The move affects agreements related to the ports of Berbera, Bosaso, and Kismayo, as well as bilateral security and defence partnerships. Somalia’s government took the decision following an investigation launched last week after allegations surfaced that the UAE had assisted in transferring a Yemeni separatist leader via Somali territory, a move Somalia said, if proven, would constitute a serious violation of its sovereignty.
The UAE maintains extensive economic and security ties with Somalia’s breakaway region of Somaliland, including a $442 million investment by Dubai-based logistics firm DP World to develop and operate the Port of Berbera. Analysts say such investments have made the UAE a major player in the Horn of Africa’s maritime and trade infrastructure, providing strategic leverage over key shipping routes. DP World declined to comment on Somalia’s announcement.
Geopolitical tensions have escalated in recent months, particularly after Israel became the first country to officially recognise Somaliland’s independence last month—a diplomatic breakthrough reportedly facilitated by Abu Dhabi. Somalia has repeatedly rejected Somaliland’s claims to independence and has warned that foreign interference in its northern region undermines national sovereignty.
By annulling all agreements with the UAE, Somalia is signalling a firm stance on protecting its territorial integrity and asserting control over its economic assets. The ports affected by the decision are critical to Somalia’s trade, serving as hubs for imports, exports, and regional commerce. The suspension of agreements could disrupt operations in the short term, potentially affecting shipping logistics, customs revenues, and the flow of goods through the Horn of Africa.
Economists and industry experts say the move may have broader economic implications. Somalia relies heavily on port revenues to finance government operations, including security and public services. The Berbera port in particular, operated under UAE-backed concessions, has become a strategic gateway for trade in Somaliland and beyond. Any interruption in operations could impact port earnings, investor confidence, and regional trade flows.
Security cooperation is also a key element of Somalia-UAE relations. The annulment of defence agreements may limit Somali access to training, equipment, and support previously provided by the UAE. This comes at a time when Somalia continues to face internal security challenges, including ongoing operations against extremist groups such as Al-Shabaab.
Despite the cancellation of agreements, Somalia indicated that it remains open to cooperation with foreign partners, provided it is “founded on recognition of Somalia’s unity.” Government officials have stressed that future engagements will prioritise sovereignty and the protection of national interests. Analysts suggest that Somalia may seek alternative partnerships with other regional and international actors to fill potential gaps in infrastructure investment and security support.
The decision underscores the complex interplay of geopolitics, economic interests, and national sovereignty in the Horn of Africa. For Somalia, asserting control over strategic ports and security arrangements is not only a matter of national pride but also a critical step in securing revenue streams, protecting domestic industries, and maintaining leverage in regional trade networks.
Observers say that while the UAE’s investments have brought infrastructure development and foreign capital to Somaliland and Somalia, Somalia’s move highlights the risks of foreign involvement in politically sensitive areas and the potential economic trade-offs of asserting national sovereignty. The coming months will reveal how both countries navigate the resulting operational, economic, and diplomatic challenges.
