MOGADISHU, Somalia— Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud on Tuesday defended his government’s decision to scrap all agreements with the United Arab Emirates, accusing Abu Dhabi of illegal activities and repeated violations of Somalia’s sovereignty.
In a televised address, President Mohamud said the decision was taken to protect the country’s independence and unity, following what he described as sustained actions undermining Somalia’s statehood.
He also accused the UAE of posing a serious threat to Somalia’s sovereignty and of pursuing policies that encouraged division within the country.
“Unfortunately, the UAE did not treat Somalia as a unified, sovereign state,” he said. “We repeatedly asked them to engage with us as one government.”
He warned that Mogadishu is prepared to take further steps if necessary, stressing that no actor would be exempt when it comes to defending Somalia’s national interests.
“The Somali government will take all necessary measures to defend our sovereignty,” he said. “There will be no exceptions when it comes to protecting the nation.”
President Mohamud also said his administration remains committed to securing Somalia’s political and economic independence, expressing confidence in the country’s natural resources and state institutions.
He further addressed Israel’s recent recognition of Somaliland, a breakaway region in northern Somalia, saying the move was firmly rejected by the international community.
“The world, using the strongest language, rejected attempts to divide Somalia,” he said, adding that global partners had stood with Mogadishu in defense of the country’s territorial integrity.
Somalia terminated UAE defense, security and port agreements, affecting Emirati-linked activities in Berbera, Bosaso and Kismayo, marking one of the sharpest diplomatic ruptures between the two countries in years.
