Somalia’s government said on Monday that it is annulling all agreements with the United Arab Emirates, including port deals and defence and security cooperation, accusing the UAE of actions that undermine Somalia’s sovereignty.
In a statement, Somalia’s Council of Ministers said the move was taken based on “credible reports and compelling evidence concerning hostile actions undermining national sovereignty, territorial unity, and the political independence of the country.”
The decision, the council said, “applies to all agreements and partnerships relating to the ports of Berbera, Bosaso, and Kismayo … (and) bilateral security and defence cooperation agreements,” Reuters reported
The UAE’s foreign ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Somalia launched an investigation last week after the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen alleged that the UAE had secretly moved a separatist leader out of Yemen through Somalia.
At the time, Somalia said that if the allegation were proven, it would amount to a serious violation of its sovereignty.
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The UAE has developed strong economic and security ties with Somaliland, a breakaway region of Somalia.
A key element of this relationship is a $442 million investment by Dubai-based logistics firm DP World to develop and operate the Port of Berbera in Somaliland. DP World declined to comment on Somalia’s announcement.
Last month, Israel became the first country to officially recognise Somaliland’s independence, a diplomatic development that, according to an Axios report citing Israeli officials, was facilitated by Abu Dhabi.
Somalia’s Council of Ministers said the country remains open to cooperation, but only if it is “founded on recognition of Somalia’s unity.”
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Image Credit: Mayor Michelle Wu
