Somalia’s relationship with the United Arab Emirates has sharply deteriorated following Israel’s decision to recognise Somaliland as an independent state, a move Mogadishu considers a direct threat to its territorial integrity. In recent weeks, Somalia has launched an intense diplomatic campaign to rally international opposition to the recognition, winning support from several African and Middle Eastern countries. But in the process, its long-standing partnership with the UAE has emerged as a major casualty.
For years, the UAE has been a key player in Somalia’s security, economy and politics. Somalia’s strategic coastline along the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean has made it central to regional maritime security, particularly in the fight against piracy and arms smuggling. The UAE cultivated deep ties not only with Somalia’s federal government but also with its semi-autonomous regions, becoming involved in port operations in Bosaso, Kismayo and Berbera.
That relationship took a dramatic turn this week when Somalia’s federal government announced it was cancelling all port management and security cooperation agreements with the UAE, accusing the Gulf state of undermining Somalia’s sovereignty. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud said the decision followed a careful assessment, adding that Somalia had been treated as anything but an independent and sovereign nation.
While the UAE has yet to officially respond, analysts say Israel’s recognition of Somaliland is central to the fallout. Somalia believes the move violates its territorial integrity and suspects the UAE played a behind-the-scenes role in supporting or facilitating the outcome. Israel’s decision in late December sparked celebrations in Somaliland, which has sought international recognition since breaking away from Somalia more than three decades ago.
In return for recognition, Somaliland signalled it would join the Abraham Accords, aligning itself with Israel and countries such as the UAE, Bahrain and Morocco. This geopolitical realignment has deepened tensions in the Horn of Africa, where rival blocs are increasingly taking shape. On one side are Israel and the UAE, while on the other are countries such as Saudi Arabia and Turkey, both of which maintain strong ties with Mogadishu.
Reports of the UAE evacuating security personnel and heavy military equipment from Bosaso air base have further fuelled speculation that relations have reached a breaking point. According to analysts, tensions had already been simmering since 2024, when Ethiopia indicated it was prepared to recognise Somaliland in exchange for access to the sea, a move Somalia strongly opposed and suspected the UAE of quietly backing.
The situation escalated further after Somalia accused the UAE of using its territory and airspace to facilitate the movement of Yemeni separatist leader Aidarous al-Zubaidi. Somali officials said allowing the use of the country’s airfields to move a fugitive was unacceptable. Similar allegations were later echoed by the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen, although the UAE has denied supporting Yemeni separatists.
This is not the first time ties between Mogadishu and Abu Dhabi have soured. In 2018, Somalia cut relations with the UAE over accusations of interference in domestic affairs. Ironically, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, then in opposition, had defended the UAE’s role at the time. His current stance reflects changing regional dynamics and Somalia’s attempt to leverage differences between Gulf powers, particularly over the conflict in Yemen.
Despite the federal government’s tough rhetoric, analysts say Somalia faces serious limitations in enforcing its decision. Mogadishu has little authority over Somaliland and limited control over ports in Puntland and Jubaland, whose regional administrations have rejected the cancellation of UAE agreements. DP World has also confirmed it will continue operating Berbera port, insisting its agreements with Somaliland remain valid.
Still, Somalia retains some leverage. It controls national airspace and can apply diplomatic pressure with the backing of allies such as Turkey and Saudi Arabia. However, experts warn that relations between Somalia and the UAE are unlikely to improve anytime soon, as trust has been badly damaged and would require significant diplomatic effort to restore.