Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has stated that the country's relations with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have deteriorated due to Abu Dhabi's support for Somaliland's secession plan. In an interview with Al Jazeera, Mohamud expressed concerns over the UAE's growing ties with Somaliland, a breakaway region in northern Somalia. He noted that the UAE had previously been a key partner for Somalia in areas such as security, trade, and politics.
According to Mohamud, the UAE's backing of Somaliland's secession bid is the primary factor driving the region's desire to split from Somalia. He emphasized that the UAE's actions are not in line with Somalia's federal government, but rather specifically with Somaliland. The President stressed that he does not understand the reasons behind the UAE's actions, which he believes are detrimental to Somalia's unity.
The strained relations between Somalia and the UAE have been evident since January 2026, when the Somali government announced the cancellation of all previous agreements with Abu Dhabi regarding port development, security, and defense. The government also ordered the suspension of activities by UAE companies in several parts of the country. This move was a significant escalation in the diplomatic tensions between the two nations.
The UAE has significant economic and security interests in the Horn of Africa, particularly in Somaliland and Puntland. The Dubai-based company DP World has a long-term agreement with Somaliland to develop the Berbera port, while the UAE also provides support to Puntland's security forces. These investments have contributed to the UAE's growing influence in the region.
President Mohamud's comments highlight the complexities of Somalia's relationships with its international partners. While the UAE has been a key player in Somalia's security and economic landscape, its support for Somaliland's secession bid has created tensions with the federal government. The situation is further complicated by the involvement of other regional actors and the ongoing challenges facing Somalia's fragile state.
The UAE's actions have also raised concerns about the potential for external interference in Somalia's internal affairs. The country's fragile state and long-standing challenges have made it vulnerable to manipulation by external actors. As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how Somalia will navigate its relationships with the UAE and other international partners.
The deterioration of relations between Somalia and the UAE has significant implications for regional stability and security. As the situation continues to evolve, it is essential to monitor developments and assess the potential consequences for Somalia, Somaliland, and the broader Horn of Africa region. The international community will be watching closely to see how the situation unfolds and what implications it may have for the region.
Key points
- Somalia's President accuses UAE of backing Somaliland's secession bid
- UAE's support for Somaliland strains relations with Somalia
- Situation has significant implications for regional stability and security
