Somalia–UAE Relations Face New Strain

Somalia’s Federal Government has made the decisive move to annul all agreements with the United Arab Emirates (UAE), citing a breach of national sovereignty. This political rift, triggered by the unauthorized transit of a Yemeni separatist leader through Somali territory on a UAE-linked flight, jeopardizes approximately $800 million in UAE investments in Somali ports. The decision has further complicated Somalia’s internal unity, as regional administrations openly defy the federal mandate, while prompting a strategic shift in Mogadishu’s alliances, with Saudi Arabia emerging as a potential new partner amidst heightened Gulf rivalries in the Horn of Africa.

Story Highlights

  • Somali government annuls all agreements with UAE over sovereignty breach.
  • UAE’s investments in Somali ports face jeopardy amid political rift.
  • Regional administrations defy federal decisions, complicating unity.
  • Saudi Arabia emerges as a potential new ally for Somalia.

Somalia’s Bold Move Against UAE Agreements

On January 12, 2026, the Somali Federal Government made a decisive move to terminate all agreements with the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This decision was fueled by the unauthorized transit of Yemeni separatist leader Aidarous al-Zubaidi through Somali territory on a UAE-linked flight. This incident, deemed a breach of Somalia’s sovereignty, prompted the Somali cabinet to annul various security, defense, economic, and port agreements with the UAE.

The Somali government’s decision reflects a broader push to assert central authority against UAE’s regional engagements, particularly in autonomous Somali regions like Somaliland, Puntland, and Jubbaland. These regions have historically operated semi-independently, often forging their own deals with foreign powers, thereby undermining Mogadishu’s control. The UAE’s investments, spanning approximately $800 million in Somali ports like Berbera and Bosaso, are now at risk.

Regional Reactions and International Dynamics

Regional administrations in Somaliland, Puntland, and Jubbaland have rejected the federal government’s annulment of UAE agreements, preserving their economic and military engagements with the UAE. This resistance complicates Somalia’s internal unity and showcases the challenges President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s government faces in exerting central authority.

Amid these tensions, Saudi Arabia emerges as a potential new ally for Somalia. The Gulf rivalries, particularly between Saudi Arabia and the UAE, are projected into the Horn of Africa, with Somalia appearing to leverage its position towards Riyadh. This shift could redefine regional alliances and influence future developments in the region.

Implications for Security and Economy

The annulment of agreements with the UAE poses significant implications for both security and the economy in Somalia. In the short term, the UAE stands to lose access to its bases and ports in Somalia, which could disrupt its counterterrorism efforts and economic interests in the region. The airspace ban complicates logistical operations, further straining Somalia’s resources.

In the long term, the erosion of the Somali Federal Government’s legitimacy could deepen if regions continue to defy central mandates. The heightened Gulf rivalry in the Horn of Africa risks instability in crucial maritime routes like the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, which is vital for global trade and oil transport. Economically, the void left by UAE’s withdrawal could impact trade and infrastructure development, while politically, it may deepen fragmentation and create security vacuums that could be exploited by militant groups.

Watch the report: Somalia cancels all agreements with UAE over alleged sovereignty violations

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