Somalia’s federal government announced the cancellation of all agreements and memoranda with the United Arab Emirates, including those linked to port operations and security cooperation, the Office of the Prime Minister said on Friday.
The cabinet decision, published on Jan. 13, covers arrangements related to “security and defence” as well as collaborations involving the ports of Berbera, Bosaso, and Kismayo.
Despite the federal government’s move, DP World, the Dubai-owned operator of Berbera Port in Somaliland, confirmed that its operations at the port are continuing under existing agreements.
Several of Somalia’s self-governing or semi-autonomous regions, including Somaliland and Puntland, rejected Mogadishu’s decision and indicated they would maintain their existing relationships with the UAE.
The dispute underscores ongoing tensions between Somalia’s federal government and its regional administrations over foreign partnerships, strategic ports, and security arrangements in the country.