13/01/2026
Somalia’s President Goes All Out Against UAE, Once a Closest Ally
Somali Report - Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has announced the cancellation of all agreements with the United Arab Emirates, citing violations of national sovereignty, territorial unity, and federal authority in one of his strongest rebukes of Abu Dhabi to date.
Speaking at a press conference in Mogadishu on Tuesday, the president said the decision followed a cabinet resolution passed on January 12, 2026, annulling all bilateral agreements with the UAE, including those covering security cooperation, defence, and economic infrastructure.
President Hassan Sheikh said the move was necessary to protect Somalia’s status as a single, sovereign, and independent state, accusing the UAE of engaging with Somalia through “multiple channels” that bypassed the Federal Government.
“We consistently asked the UAE to deal with Somalia as one united country,” the president said. “Unfortunately, that did not happen, and certain actions violated our sovereignty and national dignity.”
He said Somalia had entered relations with the UAE in good faith, but warned that continued cooperation became impossible after repeated concerns were ignored.
The cancellation, he stressed, followed deep evaluation and careful consideration by the government.
While no specific violations were disclosed, the president said the agreements posed a direct threat to Somalia’s unity and statehood.
He reaffirmed that Somalia welcomes partnerships based on mutual respect and transparency, but will withdraw from arrangements that undermine its national interests.
The government sought to reassure citizens that the decision would not disrupt daily life, pledging to safeguard economic stability, security, and political independence.
