MOGADISHU — Former Somali President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed has rejected allegations that he and other opposition politicians receive financial or political backing from the United Arab Emirates (UAE), insisting that his relationship with the Gulf nation is personal rather than political.
Speaking in an interview this week, Sharif said he has no political ties with the government of Abu Dhabi and dismissed claims that the UAE is supporting opposition figures in Somalia.
The former president explained that he and his family have lived in the UAE for nearly a decade and have been warmly welcomed by the country during that time.
“My family and I were received well, and I am grateful for that, but we do not have any political relationship with them,” Sharif said.
His remarks come amid continuing political tensions in Somalia, where the Federal Government has on several occasions accused foreign countries, including the UAE, of interfering in Somalia’s internal affairs and supporting certain opposition politicians and regional administrations.
Sharif argued that the allegations against him are unfounded, noting that President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud himself has maintained close relations with the UAE in the past. He also pointed out that the Federal Government has received financial, development, and security assistance from Abu Dhabi in recent years.
The former president described the UAE as one of Somalia’s longstanding Arab partners, highlighting its role in supporting development projects, humanitarian initiatives, and security programs over many years.
He further criticized what he described as changing narratives toward the UAE, arguing that it is not in Somalia’s interest to continuously accuse a country that has historically provided assistance and investment to the Somali people.
Sharif’s comments are likely to add to the ongoing debate over foreign influence in Somali politics, a sensitive issue that has frequently surfaced during periods of political disagreement between the government and opposition groups.
The UAE remains one of Somalia’s key regional partners, maintaining involvement in humanitarian assistance, infrastructure development, trade, and security cooperation, despite periodic diplomatic tensions between the two countries.
