Ask Onix
Diplomatic rupture follows Israel's recognition of Somaliland
Somalia has terminated all port and security agreements with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) after Israel formally recognised the breakaway region of Somaliland as an independent state. The move marks a sharp deterioration in a long-standing partnership that once spanned security, trade, and infrastructure.
UAE's role in Somaliland stokes tensions
For years, the UAE has maintained a strategic presence along Somalia's 3,000 km coastline, investing in ports in Bosaso (Puntland), Kismayo (Jubaland), and Berbera (Somaliland). These operations aimed to counter piracy and arms smuggling in the Gulf of Aden, a critical maritime corridor linking Africa and the Middle East.
However, Somalia's government accused the UAE of undermining its sovereignty by allegedly supporting Israel's decision to recognise Somaliland. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud announced the cancellation of all UAE-linked agreements during a televised address on Monday, following an emergency cabinet meeting.
"We had a good relationship with the UAE, but they did not engage with us as an independent and sovereign nation. After careful assessment, we were forced to take this decision."
Somalian President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud
The UAE has not yet responded to the allegations.
Israel's recognition triggers regional fallout
In late December, Israel became the first country to formally recognise Somaliland, which declared independence from Somalia over three decades ago. The move sparked celebrations in Somaliland's capital, Hargeisa, and was seen as a diplomatic victory for the territory, which has its own government, currency, and passport.
In exchange, Somaliland agreed to join the 2020 Abraham Accords, aligning itself with the UAE, Bahrain, and Morocco-countries that have normalised relations with Israel. The deal provided a political boost for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu amid global criticism of his government's conduct in the Gaza war.
Omar Mahmoud, a senior researcher at the International Crisis Group, told the BBC that Somalia views Israel's recognition as a direct threat to its territorial integrity. "Somalia believes the UAE played a behind-the-scenes role in facilitating this outcome," he said.
Ethiopia's 2024 deal heightened Somali suspicions
Tensions between Somalia and the UAE had been simmering since 2024, when Ethiopia-a key UAE ally in the Horn of Africa-signed a memorandum of understanding with Somaliland. The agreement proposed recognising Somaliland's independence in exchange for Ethiopia gaining access to a naval base along its coast.
"Ethiopia only promised recognition, but Israel followed through. That raised the stakes," Mahmoud added. Somalia also accused the UAE of facilitating the escape of Yemeni separatist leader Aidarous al-Zubaidi, who allegedly fled to Abu Dhabi via Mogadishu under UAE supervision. Ali Omar, Somalia's state minister for foreign affairs, condemned the incident, stating that Somalia does not tolerate the use of its airspace or airfields for such operations.
Regional administrations reject federal decision
Somalia's federal government lacks authority over Somaliland, Puntland, and Jubaland, all of which have autonomy over their ports. DP World, the Dubai-based logistics firm managing Berbera port, dismissed Somalia's cancellation of agreements, stating its operations would continue uninterrupted.
"DP World remains focused on the safe, efficient operation of the port and on delivering trade facilitation and economic benefits for Somaliland and the wider Horn of Africa region."
DP World statement to Reuters
Somaliland declared the federal government's decision "null and void," while Jubaland and Puntland criticised it as unconstitutional. Despite this, Mahmoud noted that Somalia retains leverage through its control of national airspace and diplomatic alliances with Turkey and Saudi Arabia.
Prospects for reconciliation dim
Analysts see little chance of a near-term thaw in relations. "Trust has been lost," Mahmoud said. "It would take significant diplomacy and concrete steps to repair the damage."
Samira Gaid, an analyst at Balqiis Insight, added that regional dynamics-including Israel's recognition of Somaliland and shifting alliances in Yemen-created "sufficient pressure for Somalia to act decisively."
