MOGADISHU, January 12, 2026 – In a decisive move that significantly escalates tensions in the Horn of Africa, the Federal Government of Somalia has officially announced the termination of all bilateral agreements with the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The decision, issued by the Council of Ministers on Monday, nullifies defense, security, and port cooperation pacts, citing “strong evidence” of actions detrimental to Somalia’s national unity.
This announcement comes amidst a volatile backdrop of public outrage and diplomatic friction following allegations of an Israeli resettlement plan and the controversial recognition of Somaliland by Israel late last year.
Council of Ministers Annuls Port and Defense Deals
In a statement released Monday evening, the Cabinet declared that it had completed a “thorough evaluation” of recent developments before concluding that the UAE’s actions violated Somalia’s sovereignty and international law.
“The Council of Ministers has annulled all agreements concluded with the Government of the United Arab Emirates, including those involving government administrative entities, affiliated bodies, and regional administrations,” the statement read.
The termination explicitly covers:
-
Port Agreements: Cooperation arrangements concerning the strategic ports of Berbera, Bosaso, and Kismayo are now considered void by the Federal Government.
-
Security Pacts: All bilateral defense and security cooperation agreements have been nullified.
The decision follows reports that the UAE utilized Somali airspace and territory to facilitate the movement of unauthorized actors, which the government described as a “hostile activity” threatening constitutional order. This move aligns with earlier reports that the UAE had begun pulling military hardware from the country following an initial airspace ban.
Israel-Somaliland Tensions Fuel Public Outrage
The diplomatic fallout with the UAE is inextricably linked to broader regional anxieties. Just yesterday, Defense Minister Ahmed Mohamed Fiqi revealed that the government possessed “confirmed information” regarding an Israeli initiative to forcibly resettle Palestinians from Gaza to Somali soil—specifically in the secessionist region of Somaliland.
The Minister warned that the federal administration “will not remain passive” in the face of what it terms a conspiracy to fracture the nation. These fears were ignited by Israel’s formal diplomatic recognition of Somaliland in December 2025, a move Mogadishu views as part of a strategy to secure a foothold in the Gulf of Aden.
Protests Expand Across Mogadishu
The government’s hardening stance mirrors the mood on the streets. For weeks, Mogadishu has witnessed growing unrest. Scholars and religious leaders have led protests at the Daljirka Dahsoon Monument, denouncing foreign interference.
Hundreds of residents, mostly women and youth, have joined rallies to denounce Israel’s actions, pledging their willingness to defend the country’s territorial integrity. “We will not back down from our stance. We reject Israel, and we will continue to do so,” stated Aasho Ali Aasho, a protester addressing a recent crowd.
As the Federal Government calls on international partners such as the African Union and Arab League to back its position, the termination of the UAE treaties marks a point of no return in Somalia’s fight to reassert full control over its land, sea, and airspace
