By Abdullahi Hussein Osman /Somalia
The Federal Government of Somalia has announced the termination of all agreements with the United Arab Emirates (UAE), citing the need to safeguard the country’s sovereignty, unity, and constitutional order.
In a statement issued following a cabinet meeting, Somalia’s Council of Ministers said the decision was taken under its constitutional authority and after what it described as a careful assessment of recent developments affecting the country’s national interests.
The decision brings to an end all agreements between Somalia and the UAE, including those involving Emirati government institutions, affiliated entities, and regional administrations within the Federal Republic of Somalia. It applies in particular to all cooperation and contractual arrangements related to the ports of Berbera, Bosaso, and Kismayo.
Somalia’s cabinet also annulled all existing bilateral security and defense cooperation agreements with the UAE. The government said the move was prompted by what it described as credible reports and strong evidence of actions that undermine Somalia’s sovereignty, national unity, and political independence.
According to the statement, such actions contravene internationally recognized principles of state sovereignty, non-interference, and respect for constitutional order, as outlined in the Charter of the United Nations, the African Union, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, and the League of Arab States—treaties to which Somalia is a signatory.
The government further stated that the alleged actions run counter to the will of the Somali people, who, it said, have consistently rejected any measures that compromise the country’s independence and territorial integrity.
As part of the decision’s implementation, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation has been instructed to formally notify the UAE authorities and to engage with them on the practical aspects of enforcement. Somalia will also brief international and regional partners, including the United Nations and the African Union, reaffirming its sovereign rights and constitutional prerogatives.
The statement emphasized Somalia’s exclusive authority over its territory, ports, security matters, and foreign relations, underscoring the federal government’s responsibility to protect these domains.
While announcing the cancellations, the Somali government reiterated that it remains open to international cooperation grounded in mutual respect, recognition of Somalia’s sovereignty and political independence, and adherence to constitutional and international norms.
Officials said the decision was taken in line with what they described as the supreme national interest of the Federal Republic of Somalia.
Seif Sound of Africa
