Somalia has sharply broken ties with the United Arab Emirates, ending years of collaboration in ports and security after accusing the Gulf nation of actions that challenged its sovereignty. The move comes amid rising tension following Israel’s recognition of Somaliland, a self-declared independent region Somalia considers part of its territory.
Mogadishu has been actively seeking support from countries across Africa and the Middle East to oppose Somaliland’s recognition. While many governments have backed Somalia, its relationship with the UAE has dramatically worsened, leading to a complete severing of key agreements.
The UAE has long been influential in Somalia, participating in security initiatives, port management, and economic projects. Its presence has spanned the strategic coastline along the Gulf of Aden and Indian Ocean, a region affected by piracy and arms trafficking.
The Gulf country engaged not only with Somalia’s federal administration but also with semi-autonomous regions, including Puntland, Jubaland, and the breakaway Somaliland, where it managed operations in Bosaso, Kismayo, and Berbera ports.
On Monday, Somalia’s federal government officially cancelled all security and port agreements with the UAE, describing its conduct as undermining Somali sovereignty. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud delivered the announcement in a televised address after a special cabinet meeting.
"We had a good relationship with the UAE, but unfortunately, they didn't engage us as an independent and sovereign nation. After a careful assessment, we were forced to take the decision that we took," Mohamud said. The UAE has not yet responded publicly to the president’s statement.
Experts say Israel’s recognition of Somaliland played a central role in Somalia’s decision. Omar Mahmoud, a senior researcher at the International Crisis Group, explained: "Somalia views this as an infringement of its territorial integrity and believes the UAE played a behind-the-scenes role in supporting the outcome."
Israel formally recognised Somaliland in December, a move celebrated in Hargeisa where leaders have sought recognition for over 30 years. The breakaway region established its own government, currency, and passport after separating from Somalia. Somaliland also pledged to join the 2020 Abraham Accords, under which the UAE, Morocco, and Bahrain formed diplomatic relations with Israel, giving Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government a political boost amid international criticism over the Gaza conflict.
Mahmoud highlights broader regional divisions as a factor in the conflict. "The region is increasingly defined by divergent geopolitical blocs, with the UAE and Israel on one side, and Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and others on the other," he says.
According to Middle East Eye, the fallout has already caused the UAE to withdraw military personnel and equipment from its Bosaso base. Analysts say tensions have been growing since 2024, when Ethiopia, a UAE ally, suggested it might recognise Somaliland in return for a coastal base. Somalia feared the UAE might support the deal, but it was Israel that formally granted recognition, raising the stakes.
The rupture deepened over accusations that the UAE helped Yemeni separatist leader Aidarous al-Zubaidi leave Somalia. Ali Omar, Somalia’s state minister for foreign affairs, told Al Jazeera: "Using Somalia's airspace, Somalia's airfields to smuggle a fugitive is not something that Somalia condones."
Last week, the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen accused al-Zubaidi of being transported first by ship to Berbera and then flown to Abu Dhabi via Mogadishu with UAE supervision. The UAE has denied assisting the Yemeni separatists.
Relations between Somalia and the UAE have previously been tense. In 2018, Somalia under former President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo cut ties with Abu Dhabi, accusing it of interference. Mohamud, then in opposition, supported UAE involvement but has since adopted a firm stance, exploiting regional differences between the UAE and Saudi Arabia over Yemen.
Samira Gaid of Balqiis Insight notes, "Regional developments including Israel's recognition of Somaliland and shifting dynamics in Yemen involving Saudi Arabia and the Southern Transitional Council created sufficient pressure for the government to act decisively."
Despite the strong stance, Somalia faces limitations in enforcing its decision. Mahmoud says the federal government has little control over Somaliland and the semi-autonomous regions of Puntland and Jubaland, where most port operations are based.
"The Somali government has little presence on the ground in these areas and is locked into political competition with these administrations over the division of power within Somalia's federal system," he explains.
Dubai-based DP World confirmed it will continue operating Berbera port, emphasizing trade and economic activity in Somaliland and the wider Horn of Africa, leaving political issues to governments. Somaliland maintains that its agreements with the UAE are legally binding, while Jubaland and Puntland rejected Mogadishu’s decision, calling it invalid or inconsistent with constitutional principles.
Mahmoud believes Somalia still has leverage. Mogadishu controls the country’s airspace and can use diplomatic pressure, while rallying allies such as Turkey and Saudi Arabia to its side. However, rebuilding trust with the UAE is unlikely to happen soon, and the rift is expected to reshape regional alliances in the Horn of Africa.
