MOGADISHU, Somalia — Somalia abruptly terminated all agreements with the United Arab Emirates Monday, banning flights after unauthorized use of Somali airspace sparked outrage.
The Cabinet acted under constitutional authority to defend national unity, territorial integrity, and federal power, immediately ending years of cooperation with the UAE.
Ports in Berbera, Bosaso, and Kismayo, along with security and defense arrangements, were cut off, signaling a dramatic shift in Somali-UAE relations.
The decision followed reports that UAE planes transported Yemeni fugitive Aidarous al‑Zubaidi through Mogadishu without permission, violating sovereignty and prompting sharp condemnation from Somali authorities.
“This is a clear violation of Somalia’s sovereignty,” a senior official said anonymously, warning the nation’s airspace cannot be exploited for foreign operations.
Analysts note Somali distrust of the UAE predates this incident, including allegations of supporting Israel’s recognition of Somaliland, further eroding confidence in Abu Dhabi.
“Somalia views these actions as a deliberate strategy to weaken the federal government and embed foreign influence within semi-autonomous regions,” said Horn of Africa analyst Nadia Elmi.
The Cabinet stressed UAE actions violated international law, citing the UN, African Union, OIC, and Arab League charters, and reflecting Somali popular opposition.
The Foreign Ministry was tasked to formally notify the UAE and coordinate with international partners to defend Somalia’s recognized sovereign and constitutional authority globally.
Somalia also showed willingness to cooperate but only under partnerships respecting sovereignty, independence and adherence to constitutional and international legal principles.
The UAE has historically supported security training, port management, and regional development, but bypassing Mogadishu heightened distrust and fears of foreign interference in Somali affairs.
“This action signals Somalia will not tolerate sovereignty breaches, asserting federal authority after years of decentralized power and growing foreign involvement,” analyst Ali Gulied said.
Many analysts view the UAE as a regional chaos agent, citing alleged support for militias in Sudan, Libya and Yemen’s conflicts.
Allegations include backing Sudan’s RSF and Yemeni rebel leader Aidarous al‑Zubaidi, who fled to Abu Dhabi.
This fuels Somalia’s distrust, reinforcing fears that foreign powers exploit domestic divisions to weaken federal authority and expand influence regionally.
