The Somali government announced on January 12, 2026, that it has annulled all agreements with the United Arab Emirates, including security and defense pacts and regional accords, citing credible reports of actions undermining Somalia’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and political independence.

The government press release stresses that the annulment rests on credible reports and concrete evidence of actions threatening national unity and independence, signaling a significant diplomatic and economic shift with the UAE.

Somalia canceled security and defense agreements with the UAE over sovereignty concerns, highlighting violations of Somalia’s sovereignty, national unity, and political independence.

A sovereignty bill would require regional administrations and private entities to obtain prior notification and approval from the federal government before entering into agreements with foreign parties, with oversight by the relevant ministry.

A draft law to protect Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial unity was approved, alongside an arbitration bill.

The Somaliland issue remains central: Somaliland is an autonomous, self-proclaimed state northwestern of Somalia with its own institutions, separate from Mogadishu’s central government, complicating the sovereignty dispute.

Analysts view the UAE as potentially behind Israel’s recognition of Somaliland, a move Mogadishu sees as challenging its sovereignty, with mixed regional reactions to related developments.

Somaliland declared independence in 1991 but gained international recognition only recently when Israel formally recognized Somaliland; Somalia ties this to broader regional dynamics and international reactions.

The rift centers on allegations that the UAE tacitly supports Israel’s recognition of Somaliland as an independent state, a move Somalia opposes.

The UAE is alleged to have built and controls a deep-water port and military base in Berbera, Somaliland, which Somalia views as impacting its sovereignty.

The announcements were communicated by Somalia’s prime minister’s office and reported by News.Az, based on foreign media reports.

Mogadishu asserts the cancellations apply to all federal agencies, related agencies, and regional administrations, including bilateral security and defense agreements and cooperation in the ports of Berbera, Bosaso, and Kismayo.