Somalia Cancels UAE Agreements, Citing Sovereignty Concerns

GOOBJOOG NEWS | MOGADISHU: The Council of Ministers has announced the cancellation of all agreements with the United Arab Emirates, saying the decision was taken to protect the country’s sovereignty, unity and constitutional order.

In a statement dated Jan. 12, 2026, the cabinet said the annulment covers all agreements and cooperative arrangements involving federal institutions, affiliated entities and federal member states, including deals linked to the ports of Berbera, Bosaso and Kismayo.

The government also revoked all bilateral agreements between Mogadishu and Abu Dhabi, including those related to security and defence cooperation.

The cabinet said the move followed an assessment of recent developments and was based on what it described as credible information indicating actions that undermine Somalia’s independence, national unity and political sovereignty.

It said such actions violate principles of sovereignty and non-interference outlined in international and regional frameworks to which Somalia is a party, including the United Nations Charter and agreements of the African Union, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation and the Arab League.

The federal government said the decision reflects the will of the Somali people to defend the country’s unity and constitutional foundations, and urged international partners to respect Somalia’s territorial integrity and constitutional order.