Mogadishu Severs All Ties with UAE, Citing ‘Hostile Actions’ Against Sovereignty; DP World Defies Ban

MOGADISHU, Somalia – In a dramatic escalation of diplomatic tensions, the Federal Government of Somalia has officially announced the termination of all bilateral agreements and understandings with the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The decision, reached during an emergency session of the Council of Ministers on Monday, January 12, 2026, marks a historic rupture in relations between the two nations.

The Breaking Point

The Somali government cited “credible reports and compelling evidence” of actions by the UAE that directly undermine Somalia’s national sovereignty, territorial unity, and political independence.

The sweeping resolution effectively annuls:

• Security and Defense Pacts: All military cooperation and training agreements are terminated immediately.
• Port Operations: All UAE-linked agreements concerning the strategic ports of Berbera (Somaliland), Bosaso (Puntland), and Kismayo (Jubaland) are voided.
• Aviation Bans: This follows a recent ban on UAE military and cargo flights from Somali airspace.

DP World Response: Business as Usual in Berbera

In a direct challenge to Mogadishu’s authority, Dubai-owned logistics giant DP World announced on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, that its operations at the Port of Berbera remain unaffected.

• Contractual Stand: According to Garowe Online, the company is continuing its $442 million investment under its existing 30-year agreement with the Somaliland government.
• Operational Focus: DP World stated it remains “focused on the safe, efficient operation of the port,” dismissing the federal annulment as a political decision that does not change its ground-level commitments.

Geopolitical Catalyst: The Somaliland Factor

While the official statement was broad, insiders point to specific triggers:

• Israeli Recognition: The recognition of Somaliland by Israel in late 2025 is seen as the final straw, with Mogadishu believing the UAE facilitated the deal.
• Yemen Separatist Scandal: Allegations that the UAE used Somali territory to help a high-ranking Yemeni separatist leader flee to Abu Dhabi have led Mogadishu to accuse the UAE of treating Somalia like a “vassal state.”

DEEP REPORT: The Horn of Africa at a Crossroads (2026)

The severance of ties and DP World’s defiance signal a massive tectonic shift across the East African region. The Horn of Africa has entered 2026 as one of the most volatile geopolitical theaters in the world.

1. Somalia & Somaliland: The Sovereignty Struggle

The “Somaliland Quest” has moved from a frozen conflict to a burning diplomatic war.

• Mogadishu’s Stance: Under President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, Somalia is aggressively pursuing a “Sovereignty First” policy, passing new laws to criminalize foreign engagement with regional states without federal approval.
• Somaliland’s Momentum: Bolstered by recognition from Israel and a solid partnership with Ethiopia and the UAE, Somaliland is acting with the confidence of a de facto independent state.
• Internal Security: Divisions in the Sool and Sanaag regions (SSC-Khatumo) remain a major internal threat to Hargeisa’s stability.

2. Ethiopia: The Thirst for the Sea

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s pursuit of Red Sea access remains the region’s primary driver of instability.

• The Port Deal: Ethiopia continues to push the 2024 MoU with Somaliland for a 20km naval base, effectively ending the “security honeymoon” between Addis Ababa and Mogadishu.
• Internal Pressures: With an election in June 2026, the Red Sea narrative is being used to drum up nationalist fervor amidst a fragile recovery from internal insurgencies.

3. Eritrea: The Reclusive Spoiler

Eritrea has pivoted from being Ethiopia’s wartime ally to its most dangerous adversary.

• Border Tensions: Reports from January 2026 indicate massive troop deployments on both sides of the border.
• Strategic Rivalry: Eritrea views Ethiopia’s naval ambitions near Assab as a declaration of war and is aligning with Egypt to encircle Ethiopia.

4. Djibouti: The “Congested” Mediator

Djibouti remains the region’s economic gateway, but its “neutral” status is under threat.

• Succession Crisis: President Ismaïl Omar Guelleh faces the April 2026 elections with fears of internal tribal unrest.
• Foreign Saturation: The proliferation of military bases from the US, China, France, and potentially Egypt makes Djibouti a high-risk proxy theater.

5. Summary Table: Regional Alignments (2026)

Conclusion & Outlook

The Horn of Africa is currently a “layered conflict zone.” The collapse of the Somalia-UAE relationship, combined with DP World’s refusal to recognize federal authority, signals a period of high-stakes brinkmanship. Mogadishu is willing to risk economic hardship to maintain unity, while the UAE and Somaliland are betting that infrastructure and international alliances will override federal decrees.