Somalia says UAE halts security support after agreements scrapped

MOGADISHU — Somalia’s foreign minister said the United Arab Emirates has halted its security assistance to the Horn of Africa nation after Mogadishu formally withdrew from bilateral agreements between the two countries.

Foreign Minister Abdisalam Abdi Ali told reporters that the Emirati support had been largely focused on the military and security institutions.

“Most of the support provided by the UAE was concentrated in the security sector. Since the agreements were terminated, there is no clear basis for that assistance to continue,” he said.

In January, the Federal Government of Somalia announced it had nullified all agreements with the United Arab Emirates, including those related to security cooperation, accusing Abu Dhabi of interference in matters undermining Somalia’s sovereignty and unity.

Despite the suspension of security support, Abdisalam said diplomatic relations between the two countries remain intact. He noted that the Somali embassy in Abu Dhabi and the Emirati mission in Mogadishu continue to operate normally, signaling that broader bilateral ties have not been severed.

The minister also rejected suggestions that Mogadishu’s decision was linked to allegations that the UAE has backed armed groups in conflicts in Sudan and Yemen, saying the move was solely related to Somalia’s bilateral arrangements with Abu Dhabi.

GAROWE ONLINE