Somalia said on Monday it was cancelling all bilateral agreements with the United Arab Emirates, accusing Abu Dhabi of “hostile activities” towards Mogadishu in the latest escalation between the two sides.
The decision, announced by the Council of Ministers, follows allegations that Emirati authorities used Somali airspace to evacuate a Yemeni rebel leader without federal government approval, although local authorities in Somaliland had permitted the flight.
According to the government, the move is intended to safeguard Somalia’s sovereignty, unity, territorial integrity and constitutional order.
“After carefully assessing recent developments and exercising their constitutional authority, the Council of Ministers has annulled all agreements concluded with the Government of the United Arab Emirates, including those involving government administrative entities, affiliated bodies, and regional administrations operating within the Federal Republic of Somalia,” a statement from the Office of the Prime Minister, who chairs the Council, said on Monday.
“This decision applies to all agreements and cooperative arrangements related to the ports of Berbera, Bosaso, and Kismayu”.
The Council of Ministers has also annulled all existing agreements between the Federal Government of Somalia and the Government of the United Arab Emirates, including bilateral security and defence cooperation agreements.
”The statement added that the government had “compelling evidence” of hostile actions undermining Somalia’s independence, though officials did not publicly disclose details.
