Somalia’s federal government has cancelled all security and defence cooperation agreements with the United Arab Emirates, citing concerns that the arrangements undermine the country’s sovereignty and territorial unity.
The decision was approved by Somalia’s cabinet at a meeting in Mogadishu on Monday, according to state-linked media reports. Officials said the agreements no longer aligned with Somalia’s national interests and security priorities, particularly as the country works to consolidate authority under the federal system.
In a brief statement, the government said it was committed to safeguarding Somalia’s independence and ensuring that all foreign partnerships respect the country’s constitutional framework. The cabinet also emphasised that any future security cooperation with external partners would be subject to strict oversight and full transparency.
Relations between Mogadishu and Abu Dhabi have been strained for several years. Tensions escalated in 2018 after Somali authorities seized millions of dollars in cash from a UAE aircraft at Mogadishu airport, alleging the funds were not properly declared. The incident led to a sharp cooling of defence ties and the suspension of some joint security programmes.
The UAE has previously been involved in training Somali security forces and supporting counterterrorism efforts, particularly against the al-Shabaab militant group. However, Somali officials have repeatedly raised concerns about parallel security arrangements and bilateral deals with regional administrations, arguing that such agreements weaken the authority of the federal government.
Somalia’s move comes as the country seeks to rebuild its national army, reduce reliance on foreign forces, and prepare for the gradual drawdown of the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS). The government has said a unified command structure and clear lines of international cooperation are essential to long-term stability.
There has been no immediate public response from the UAE to the cabinet’s decision. Analysts say the cancellation could reshape Somalia’s regional alliances and force a recalibration of security cooperation in the Horn of Africa, especially as Mogadishu deepens ties with other partners, including Turkey and Qatar.
For now, Somali authorities say the priority is ensuring that all foreign engagements reinforce, rather than dilute, the country’s sovereignty and national cohesion.
