By HAN NEWS Desk
MOGADISHU — Somalia’s cabinet has annulled all security and defense cooperation agreements with the United Arab Emirates, citing concerns that the deals undermined the country’s sovereignty, territorial unity, and political independence.
The decision was approved during an emergency cabinet meeting on Monday, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Salah Ahmed Jama, according to a statement released by the Federal Government of Somalia.
Government officials said the move nullifies all agreements that allowed the UAE to operate or maintain a presence at key Somali ports, including Bosaso, Berbera, and Kismayo. Those ports are located in areas administered respectively by Puntland, Somaliland, and Jubbaland.
In its statement, the government said it had received “reports and strong evidence” indicating that the agreements had facilitated actions harmful to Somalia’s national sovereignty and unity.
“This decision is based on verified information and compelling evidence of actions that negatively affected Somalia’s independence, territorial integrity, and political sovereignty,” the statement said. “The Federal Government of Somalia affirms its exclusive authority over national territory, ports, security affairs, and foreign relations.”
The cabinet confirmed that all security and defense agreements between Somalia and the UAE are now void and instructed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to implement the decision and formally notify relevant parties.
In addition to canceling the UAE agreements, the cabinet approved several draft laws, including a bill aimed at safeguarding Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial unity. The proposed legislation would prohibit regional administrations and private entities from entering into agreements with foreign governments or organizations without prior approval from the federal government and oversight by relevant federal ministries.
Other measures approved during the meeting included an arbitration bill, regulations governing the National Disaster Risk Management Fund, and new rules for corporate service providers.
The decision is expected to have significant political and security implications for Puntland, Somaliland, and Jubbaland, all of which have maintained close ties with the UAE in recent years. The Emirates has provided financial assistance and military equipment to authorities in those regions, according to Somali officials.
Somalia’s federal government has repeatedly accused the UAE of bypassing Mogadishu by engaging directly with regional administrations, a practice it says violates Somalia’s constitution and international law. Officials have also alleged that the UAE made unauthorized use of Bosaso and Berbera airports for military and logistical operations, claims Abu Dhabi has previously denied.
However, the UAE has not yet publicly responded to the cabinet’s decision.
Somalia has in recent months stepped up efforts to reassert federal authority over foreign relations and security cooperation, amid heightened regional tensions in the Horn of Africa.
