Somalia Annuls All Security and Defence Cooperation Agreements with the UAE in Major Policy Shift

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Somalia Annuls All Security and Defence Cooperation Agreements with the UAE in Major Policy Shift

Sunatimes.com — The Federal Government of Somalia has officially annulled all cooperation agreements with the United Arab Emirates (UAE), including those covering security and defence, following an emergency session of the Somali Council of Min

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Sunatimes.com — The Federal Government of Somalia has officially annulled all cooperation agreements with the United Arab Emirates (UAE), including those covering security and defence, following an emergency session of the Somali Council of Ministers that was brought forward ahead of schedule. According to official and media reports, the decision was framed as a sovereignty-protection measure, reflecting growing concerns within the federal leadership about actions and arrangements seen as undermining Somalia's territorial integrity, constitutional order, and political independence. Nation Africa

A Strategic Turn Away from Abu Dhabi

The decision marks a dramatic change in Somalia’s Gulf policy, particularly under President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, who for years maintained working ties with Abu Dhabi.

However, the latest Cabinet decision signals that Mogadishu is recalibrating its regional partnerships—potentially replacing the UAE’s role with stronger engagement from Saudi Arabia and Qatar, amid claims that Doha may step in to cover the UAE’s previous support, including security-related financial arrangements such as troop salary assistance (though this has not yet been formally confirmed through official public statements).

Timing Linked to Gulf Competition

The policy shift comes just days ahead of a reported presidential trip to Saudi Arabia, which analysts view as politically significant, as it opens the door for increased Gulf rivalry inside Somalia, where competing regional powers have historically invested in influence networks and security cooperation.

This Gulf competition is not limited to Mogadishu: the UAE is known to have maintained strong relationships with some federal member states, and some regional leaders have reportedly been travelling to Dubai in recent days—suggesting the potential for new tension between Somalia’s federal authority and sub-national actors.

Broader Political Context

The announcement occurs amid heightened sensitivity about foreign military movements and sovereignty, following recent regional controversy tied to the use of Somali transit infrastructure and airspace in Gulf-linked disputes.

By Dahir Alasow

[email protected]