Somalia has cancelled all port management and security cooperation agreements with the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This decision follows several weeks of diplomatic efforts by Somalia to garner international support after Israel recognized Somaliland as an independent state. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud stated the UAE did not engage Somalia as a sovereign nation, leading to the assessment that the UAE was undermining Somalia's sovereignty. The UAE has not publicly responded to these comments.
Background to the Diplomatic Rupture
Analysts indicate that Israel's recognition of Somaliland in late December served as a backdrop for Somalia's decision. Somalia perceives this as an infringement on its territorial integrity and suspects the UAE played an influencing role in the outcome. Somaliland, which seceded from Somalia over 30 years ago, celebrated Israel's recognition and indicated it would join the Abraham Accords.
Further contributing to the strained relations was Ethiopia's 2024 memorandum of understanding with Somaliland, which outlined a trade of sea access for recognition. Somalia viewed the UAE as potentially supporting this agreement. Additionally, Somalia accused the UAE of using its territory and airspace to facilitate the transit of Yemeni separatist leader Aidarous al-Zubaidi, an allegation the UAE denies. The Saudi-led coalition in Yemen made similar accusations regarding al-Zubaidi's alleged transit through Berbera and Mogadishu to Abu Dhabi under UAE supervision.
Historical Context and Enforcement Challenges
This is not the first time diplomatic relations between Somalia and the UAE have deteriorated; a similar rupture occurred in 2018 under former President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo. The current president, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, who previously defended the UAE's involvement, has adopted a different stance, leveraging regional dynamics.
Despite the federal government's announcement, it faces challenges in enforcing the cancellation of port deals, as it does not exercise full authority over Somaliland or the semi-autonomous regions of Puntland and Jubaland. DP World, which operates Berbera port in Somaliland, stated its operations would continue. Somaliland affirmed its agreements with the UAE as lawful, while Jubaland and Puntland declared the federal government's decision