By HAN News Desk
ABIDJAN — Somali academic and lawmaker Professor Abdi Ismail Samatar delivered a strong rebuke of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) during his remarks at the ongoing Pan-African Parliament summit in Djibouti, accusing the Gulf state of exploiting Africa’s resources and destabilizing the continent for its own interests.
Speaking during a plenary session attended by African lawmakers and diplomats, Prof. Samatar condemned what he described as the UAE’s “predatory behavior” in Africa, claiming that the Gulf nation has been supporting conflicts, manipulating governments, and profiting from instability across the continent.
“The UAE are bloodsuckers feeding on Africa’s pain,” Prof. Samatar said. “African nations must take a united stand against such exploitation and impose political and economic restrictions to protect our sovereignty and resources.”
His statement drew attention from many African delegates, some of whom echoed concerns about foreign interference and the increasing presence of external powers in Africa’s ports, logistics, and security sectors.
Prof. Samatar, a respected scholar and member of the Somali Federal Parliament, has long been an outspoken critic of foreign involvement in Africa’s internal affairs. He has frequently called for greater Pan-African unity and self-reliance, emphasizing that the continent’s progress depends on its ability to resist external manipulation and build independent institutions.
The African Parliamentary Forum, currently underway in Djibouti, brings together lawmakers from across the continent to discuss issues of governance, sovereignty, and regional cooperation. The meeting has also provided a platform for open debate on Africa’s relationship with foreign powers, including Gulf nations, China, and Western countries.
Prof. Samatar urged African leaders to strengthen economic cooperation within the continent and to prioritize investments in African industries, youth employment, and innovation, rather than relying on outside aid or partnerships that undermine the region’s independence.
“The liberation of Africa is not complete until we are free from economic dependency and political manipulation,” he said.
