MOGADISHU, Somalia — The United Arab Emirates has begun mediation efforts to ease political tensions between Somalia’s Federal Government, Puntland, and Jubaland after prolonged disputes.
The presidents of Puntland and Jubaland met UAE officials in Abu Dhabi to discuss political crises involving Said Deni, Ahmed Madobe, and Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.
Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, attending the Arab-Islamic summit in Doha, reportedly plans an unannounced visit to the UAE, according to sources.
The UAE has intensified efforts to reconcile President Mohamud with regional leaders in Garowe and Kismayo amid increasing diplomatic maneuvering.
On Aug. 28, a UAE delegation led by Deputy Foreign Minister Sheikh Shakhboot Bin Nahyan arrived in Mogadishu for a planned two-week visit.
This delegation’s visit followed a Sudanese delegation’s arrival in Mogadishu amid growing international involvement in Somalia’s political and security challenges.
Sudan’s intelligence chief, Lt. Gen. Ahmed Ibrahim Ali Mufaddal, met with President Mohamud and officials to discuss urgent cooperation on smuggling routes near Bosaso port.
Mufaddal carried a message from Sudan’s military leader, Gen. Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, emphasizing the need for joint security efforts to curb arms trafficking.
Somalia denied any link between the two visits but acknowledged UAE concerns about Mogadishu’s outreach to parties opposed by Abu Dhabi.
The UAE reportedly supports Sudan’s rebel Rapid Support Forces, while Somalia backs Sudan’s legitimate government in the ongoing internal Sudanese conflict.