The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has opted to halt the construction of new air and naval bases in Somaliland in a decision that jeopardizes a deal the two nations signed three years ago.
At the time of the cancellation, UAE had already begun setting up the base in Berbera. The new facility was to be near an airport that is under construction.
UAE had hoped to use the facility to set up base near Eritrea, which it has been cozying up to a lot in the recent past.
A national daily in UAE carried reports showing that the country had cancelled the construction formally. Consequently, a cutting of all diplomatic ties with Somaliland now looms.
In the deal signed three years ago, UAE had promised to train Somaliland’s military and police. It had also vowed to equip the country’s military with sophisticated equipment.
While welcoming the construction of the base in 2017, Somaliland’s President Musa Bihi Abdi had said, “This area would now be safer because of the huge presence of the military.”
Furthermore, Somaliland’s Parliament unanimously approved the UAE deal to build military base and support the country’s military while staying in Berbera for 30 years.